Energy Transition, Renewables, Emissions, Carbon
July 15, 2026
ET Highlights: Europe hits renewables high, EU slashes hydrogen auction budget, India lines up eMethanol tender
Energy Transition Highlights: Our editors and analysts bring together the biggest stories in the industry this week, from renewables to storage to carbon prices.
Top story
June hits all-time high for solar, wind in Europe's Big 5 markets
Record solar generation more than offset a slight drop for wind power in Europe's five biggest power markets in June, with the combined total of 56.5 terawatt-hours, a new monthly record high, system data showed July 6.
There is now well over 400 GW of solar capacity installed across the EU27, according to SolarPower Europe with annual additions predicted to stagnate at current record levels.
Solar power generated almost 35 TWh in the five markets, up 21% from June 2025, with Germany and Spain leading.
Wind output fell 10% year over year to 21.7 TWh amid a blustery first half of June and heat wave conditions developing for the second half.
Benchmark of the Week
Eur1.41/MWh
Platts assessed 2026 AIB European wind/solar GOs on July 10, down 15% month over month and after hitting a two-year high at Eur1.95/MWh on May 12.
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INTERVIEW: India's SECI eyes renewable fuel expansion with eMethanol tender
India's Solar Energy Corp. is advancing plans for a major renewable methanol tender and preparing for a likely rebid for renewable ammonia capacity, as the state-run agency positions the country as a cost-competitive supplier of low-carbon fuels and feedstocks. SECI is finalizing specifications for an eMethanol tender that could total 500,000 metric tons/year or more, targeting buyers aligned with EU marine fuel regulations, Sanjay Sharma, director of solar at SECI, told Platts.
White House picks science skeptic to head flagship climate research program
A 36-year-old US research program Congress created to help the country respond to climate change will be reinstated and led by a climate contrarian who has questioned mainstream science. The White House confirmed July 9 that the program will be resurrected but did not comment on its new leader.
EC halves budget for next European Hydrogen Bank auction to Eur500 mil
The European Commission has slashed funding for its upcoming Hydrogen Bank subsidy program to Eur500 million ($570 million), less than half the Eur1.3 billion budget for the third round, as it opens a consultation on the draft terms and conditions on the fourth auction. The EC will launch a fourth auction under the European Hydrogen Bank mechanism by the end of 2026. The public consultation will run until Aug. 24.
California regulators approve 2025 IEPR, recommendations to meet energy needs
The California Energy Commission has approved the 2025 Integrated Energy Policy Report used to develop and evaluate energy policies and programs, working to close the gap in demand flexibility. The IEPR provides a cohesive approach to identifying and solving the state’s pressing energy needs and issues, according to the commission.
Indonesia issues new carbon registry rules to boost market integrity
Indonesia has launched a national carbon unit registry system designed to prevent double counting of emission reductions as the country seeks to expand its role in domestic and international carbon markets. The Carbon Unit Registry System will track all carbon units generated in Indonesia and record transactions to ensure each ton of CO2 equivalent can only be claimed once toward climate goals, according to the regulation signed by Environment Minister Moh Jumhur Hidayat.