Global energy news roundup: Major shifts in coal, renewables, nuclear and grid investment

Coal declines in the Philippines
Coal-fired electricity in the Philippines fell by 5.2% in the first half of 2025, the first drop since 2008, according to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA). This decline contrasts with some media narratives attributing it to liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. The Philippines has not added new LNG or gas-fired capacity since 2017. In 2024, the country added over 1 GW of solar capacity, supported by policy measures like centralised auctions and a competitive market structure mandating least-cost power procurement.

UK launches £8bn grid substation partnership
The UK’s National Grid has launched the £8 billion Electricity Transmission Partnership (ETP) to upgrade substations across England and Wales. The ETP adopts a long-term collaborative model rewarding suppliers based on performance and capacity-building, aiming to strengthen the UK supply chain and develop regional skills.

Berwick Bank offshore wind farm approved
SSE Renewables received Scottish government approval for the 4.1 GW Berwick Bank offshore wind project. Located 38 km off the Scottish Borders coast, the project is expected to contribute £8 billion to the UK economy and create over 9,000 jobs. A final investment decision and contract for difference are still pending.

Power deal for data centre in Texas
Calpine has signed an agreement to supply 190 MW of electricity to CyrusOne’s upcoming data centre in Bosque County, Texas. The $1.2 billion project, called DFW10, will be located next to the Thad Hill Energy Center and is set to go online in late 2026.

AI-focused nuclear power grid planned in Texas
Fermi America and Texas Tech University have signed an MoU with Hyundai E&C to build the nuclear component of what is planned to be the world’s largest private power grid for artificial intelligence. The project will combine nuclear, gas, solar, and battery power, targeting up to 11 GW of capacity.

Iberdrola signs over 300 MW of PPAs with Mercadona
Iberdrola España has expanded its renewable energy supply to supermarket chain Mercadona, signing new PPAs tied to wind and solar projects. The clean energy will serve Mercadona’s logistics centres and stores across Spain.

152 MW solar build begins in Oklahoma
Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) has started construction on its 152 MW Twelvemile Solar 1 and 2 projects in southern Oklahoma. These add to LRE’s 724 MW solar portfolio in the state. The facilities are expected to come online in early 2026.

AGL approves 500 MW Tomago battery project
AGL Energy has taken the final investment decision on its 500 MW/2,000 MWh Tomago battery energy storage system in Newcastle, Australia. The A$800 million project will be financed using operating cash flows and green loans.

Helion starts fusion plant construction in Washington
Fusion energy firm Helion has begun work on its new power plant, Orion, in Malaga, Washington. The site passed an environmental review and was chosen for its transmission access and energy-focused history.

UKAEA renews engineering framework
The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has extended its Embedded Engineering Resource Framework for four more years, valued at up to £9 million. The agreement enables collaboration with seven specialist companies to advance fusion energy R&D.