UK Drought Cuts SSE Renewable Power Over 40%

Global efforts to expand renewable energy are gaining momentum amid challenges posed by climate and infrastructure. In the UK, a severe drought has caused a significant decline in hydroelectric power generation, with output falling over 40% due to low river levels, highlighting the vulnerability of weather-dependent renewables. Meanwhile, Egypt is advancing a large-scale hybrid solar and battery project to address its energy crisis, aiming to increase renewable energy's share from 13% to 42% by 2030, driven largely by economic needs rather than environmental goals. In the United States, solar power paired with battery storage is increasingly critical for maintaining energy reliability during extreme weather, such as heat waves and hurricanes, proving essential for grid resilience and public safety. In Asia-Pacific, Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister emphasized that solar energy is imperative, not optional, as the region balances rapid economic growth with climate vulnerabilities, with Sri Lanka targeting 70% renewable electricity by 2030. Complementing these efforts, the International Solar Alliance highlights a historic $2.2 trillion global investment in clean energy surpassing fossil fuels, underscoring that economic incentives now drive solar energy expansion across developing nations.