Renewables overtake global coal

Independent power producer Scatec has welcomed the findings of a recent Ember report, confirming that renewable energy sources generated more electricity than coal globally for the first half of 2025

“The global power sector has crossed a critical line,” said Terje Pilskog, CEO of Scatec. “This trend validates the long-term view Scatec has maintained: that renewable energy is not simply an environmental choice, but the most competitive and vital source for new electricity generation globally. The acceleration of green energy deployment, particularly in high-growth emerging markets such as China and India, demonstrates a global recognition of the urgency to decarbonise.”

Pilskog added, “Scatec remains committed to delivering large-scale, reliable, and affordable solar, wind, and battery storage projects, thereby actively contributing to the curb of high-emission coal generation and ensuring energy security for the markets we serve.”

IMPOWER highlights regional opportunities

IMPOWER Solar & Storage has celebrated a major development in the global energy sector.

According to the report, renewables produced 5,072 TWh in the first half of 2025, surpassing coal’s 4,896 TWh. Rapid solar and wind growth in China and India drove this increase. Analysts are calling it “a crucial turning point” in the global energy transition.

IMPOWER said the findings reinforce its strategy of developing resilient, cost-effective systems that enable businesses and communities to thrive both on and off grid. Earlier this year, the company highlighted the importance of policy clarity and grid flexibility to unlock the full potential of renewables in the region.

Matthew Cruise, business development executive at IMPOWER, described the report as, “a positive signal for investors and innovators alike. More than a global headline, it’s a roadmap for South Africa. Every kilowatt-hour we generate from the sun reduces reliance on volatile fossil fuels and strengthens energy security for businesses and households.”

As IMPOWER expands its solar-plus-storage offerings across commercial and industrial sectors, the company views this global shift as proof that the future is already here.

“The future is decentralised, digital, and decarbonised,” Cruise added, urging policymakers to remove barriers that slow adoption.

The event will feature a high-level conference and exhibition. (Image source: RX Events)

Saudi Arabia will host the first Hydrogen Arabia Summit & Exhibition on 8–9 December 2025 at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC, positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for hydrogen and clean energy collaboration.

Organised by RX, the company behind the World Hydrogen Summit, the event will feature a high-level conference and exhibition uniting senior government officials, global energy leaders, investors, and innovators in hydrogen and carbon capture technologies.

Over two days of strategic dialogue and technology showcases, discussions will focus on how hydrogen and carbon capture can accelerate Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Net Zero 2060 ambitions. The event will also emphasise the Kingdom’s Circular Carbon Economy framework, introduced during its G20 Presidency, which promotes comprehensive emissions management and energy stability.

Financial push

Saudi Arabia has pledged over SAR 1 trillion (US$270bn) to the power sector, including SAR880bn Saudi Riyals (US$235bn) dedicated to renewables. Major projects such as the NEOM green hydrogen initiative and a US$10bn investment from the Public Investment Fund highlight the Kingdom’s determination to become a global hydrogen leader.

Vasyl Zhygalo, managing director, Middle East and Emerging Markets, RX, Hydrogen Arabia, said, “Hydrogen Arabia marks a significant milestone for us as we expand our global energy portfolio into Saudi Arabia, which is one of the most dynamic markets for clean energy transformation. This event will serve as a crucial platform for regional and international leaders to collaborate on advancing hydrogen and carbon capture solutions. It will also create new opportunities for investment, innovation, and long-term energy security. In doing so, the event will reinforce Saudi Arabia's position as a hub for sustainable energy and a key player in international hydrogen trade.”

Speakers from IRENA, ENOWA-NEOM, SEFE, Air Liquide, Hy24, and Aramco Ventures will discuss investment, global demand, certification, and decarbonisation. “The agenda for the Hydrogen Arabia Summit will gather regional and international leaders to explore how investment and policy can speed up the adoption of technology. By concentrating on practical pathways for hydrogen and CCUS, the discussions in Riyadh aim to produce outcomes that promote both industry growth and global trade,” added Zhygalo.

Global renewable capacity additions reached 582 GW last year

The world is falling behind on renewable energy and efficiency goals, despite record capacity growth in 2024, according to a new report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the COP30 Brazilian Presidency, and the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA).

Global renewable capacity additions reached 582 GW last year, yet the COP28 UAE Consensus target of tripling renewables to 11.2 TW by 2030 now requires 1,122 GW annually, with 16.6% growth needed each year. Energy efficiency also lags, with global energy intensity improving by just 1% in 2024—far below the 4% annual gains needed to meet UAE Consensus goals.

The report calls for urgent action: integrating renewable targets into national climate plans, doubling collective NDC ambition, and scaling investment in renewables to at least USD 1.4 trillion annually through 2030.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said, “The clean energy revolution is unstoppable. Renewables are deployed faster and cheaper than fossil fuels – driving growth, jobs, and affordable power. But the window to keep the 1.5°C limit within reach is rapidly closing. We must step up, scale up and speed up the just energy transition – for everyone, everywhere.”

IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera added, “The world has broken renewable capacity records, but records alone will not keep 1.5°C alive. Renewables are not just the most cost-effective climate solution; they are the biggest economic opportunity of our time. This report shows the path: accelerate deployment, modernise grids, scale clean-tech and strengthen supply chains.”

Ben Backwell, Chair of the GRA, said, “The private sector is driving the energy transition, providing three-quarters of global clean energy investment… What we need now are long-term government plans that match national ambitions; we need pipelines that deliver projects.”

The report highlights that G20 nations must lead, contributing over 80% of global renewable capacity by 2030, while advanced economies should ramp up climate finance and investment in grids, storage, and clean-tech supply chains to secure a stable energy transition.

Trinasolar continues to deepen its investment in Saudi Arabia. (Image source: Trinsolar)

Trinasolar, a global leader in smart PV and energy storage solutions, showcased its latest innovations at Solar & Storage Live KSA 2025, held from 12 to 14 October at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.

The company reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 through advanced innovation, localisation, and sustainable industrial growth.

At the exhibition, Trinasolar presented a complete portfolio tailored to the Kingdom’s clean-energy ambitions, featuring the Vertex N module (NEG21C.20) with power output up to 740 watts and the Elementa 3 energy storage platform alongside TrinaTracker systems and Trinabot BUILDEX, an AI-driven robotic cleaning solution. Together, these technologies offer an integrated solar and storage solution designed to boost efficiency, reliability, and long-term performance across utility-scale and commercial-industrial projects.

Trinasolar continues to deepen its investment in Saudi Arabia through local manufacturing and technology transfer. The company has achieved the 35% localisation rate required by the Saudi government, with higher rates in select projects, supported by its TrinaTracker factory in Jeddah. Established under a land-lease agreement with MODON in the Third Industrial City, the facility has an annual production capacity of 3GW, enabling faster delivery and stronger local integration.

“Reaching the government’s required localisation rate at our projects is a significant milestone that demonstrates Trinasolar’s deep commitment to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030,” said Todd Li, head of Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa (APMEA) at Trinasolar. “With more than 57 gigawatts of solar and energy storage projects tendered under the National Renewable Energy Programme, the Kingdom is entering a transformative phase, and we are well positioned to contribute to this growth through our full range of advanced technologies and integrated smart-energy solutions that support the Kingdom’s evolving energy needs.”

Key features

Built on Trinasolar’s 210mm n-type i-TOPCon technology, the Vertex N 740W module achieves up to 23.8% efficiency, reduced LCOE, and strong reliability in high-temperature environments. The Elementa 3 platform enhances energy density, safety, and operational performance with high-capacity 587Ah cells and intelligent temperature control for stability even at 55°C. The Trinabot BUILDEX robotic cleaning solution further improves O&M performance and long-term energy yield, helping developers maximise uptime and investment value.

During the exhibition, Trinasolar announced strategic collaborations to strengthen its regional presence. The company welcomed Sky Energy as its new distributor in Saudi Arabia, expanding access to its advanced solar solutions to support the Kingdom’s clean-energy goals. Additionally, Trinabot and MAN signed a cooperation agreement focused on photovoltaic installation robotics, combining expertise to accelerate intelligent installation practices across the Middle East and Africa.

With over 28 years of continuous innovation, more than 200GW of cumulative 210mm module shipments, and 12GWh of global energy storage shipments, Trinasolar remains a trusted partner in advancing the energy transition across the Middle East and Africa, empowering the region to harness solar power for a sustainable future.

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