• Commentary

        • 29 May 2026

        Battery storage is scaling up and taking on a larger system role

        Commentary As the result of falling costs and greater flexibility needs, battery storage is playing a growing role in power systems worldwide, acting as a “multi-tool” that can provide a range of critical system services at once. According to the latest data, the deployment of batteries expanded strongly in 2025 and broadened across markets – with rapid growth in countries such as Australia and Saudi Arabia, where storage is increasingly being used to support the integration of rising shares of variable renewables.In regions that have been at the forefront of renewable integration and battery deployment, batteries now play an…

        • Commentary

        • 13 Feb 2026

        Global battery markets are growing strongly – and so are the supply risks

        …over 20% from 2024, but its economic and strategic significance extends far beyond market size. Batteries are becoming a cornerstone of the automotive sector, a critical source of flexibility for power systems, and an increasingly important source of back-up power for digital infrastructure, including data centres and artificial intelligence.Beyond energy, batteries remain indispensable for a wide range of industrial and strategic applications, from portable electronics and unmanned defence systems to emerging technologies such as humanoid robots. As applications diversify and costs continue to fall, batteries are evolving into a foundational component of modern economies. This shift carries far…

        • Country

        South Africa

        Coal is the mainstay of the South African energy system, meeting around 70% of installed power generation capacity. The 2019 Integrated Resource Plan however sets out a long-term diversification of the power mix by 2030 and moves towards lightening the carbon footprint of the energy sector while meeting growing energy demand and ensuring a socio-economically just transition. While the options to diversify the country's electricity mix appear diverse, the affordability of electricity supply looms as a key concern and a potential constraint on diversification. The structure of consumption and of spending on electricity is skewed towards higher…

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        • Country

        Austria

        Austria is committed to reaching climate neutrality by 2040. Over three quarter of electricity generation already comes from renewables, with a target of achieving a 100% renewable electricity supply by 2030 (national balance). This requires investments to make networks more resilient and flexible, optimise demand side management, and updating the legal and regulatory framework to allow more consumer participation. Buildings and transport account for around half of total emissions . To progress the transition in these sectors, the government supports building renovation, switching from fossil fuels to sustainable heating systems, the electrification of transport and invests in public transport infrastructure.

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        • Country

        Nicaragua

        The National Energy Policy of Nicaragua establishes a policy framework for the development and exploitation of renewable sources. The law sets the objective of prioritizing the use of renewable energy in the national energy mix and of stabilizing energy prices using renewables.

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        • Country

        Pakistan

        In Pakistan, most of the primary energy supply comes from oil and natural gas. Hydropower is the main renewable source of energy in the country but wind and solar PV’s shares are slowly growing. More than 40 million people remain without access to electricity and half the population lack access to clean cooking facilities.

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        • Country

        Switzerland

        Switzerland has notably decoupled economic growth from energy use despite strong population growth. This trend should continue, and the energy efficiency first principle should be reflected in all climate and energy legislation. Reaching the 2050 net zero emissions target and addressing the growing winter electricity gap between demand and production requires an unprecedented volume of additional renewable generation capacity, especially wind and hydro. For this, the country needs to shorten the complex and extended administrative and legal permitting process. This will also help advancing investments in grid infrastructure to prepare for more decentralised and variable generation. Switzerland should also align…

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        • Country

        Montenegro

        The Energy Development Strategy of Montenegro sets out objectives and defines mechanisms for the transition from the current energy system to a safe, competitive and environmentally acceptable energy paradigm by 2025. It also provides guidelines for the development of the energy sector with the aim of attracting investors.
        Data for Montenegro is included under Serbia until 2004.

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        • Country

        Jamaica

        The government of Jamaica adopted a national Energy Policy in 2010 , which establishes a goal of 20% of renewable energy in the energy mix by 2030. This Strategic Framework also addresses both the supply and demand energy issues that the country faces.

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        • Fuel report

        • Jul 2025

        Prospects for Natural Gas Certification

        …from North America. As certification continues to evolve, opportunities remain to improve consistency, transparency and coverage across the full supply chain. To support further progress, the report outlines potential policy actions for governments to consider –such as international collaboration on harmonisation, setting minimum standards for certification, and exploring ways in which certification could complement emerging regulatory and market frameworks.While not a standalone solution, certification can enhance transparency and performance on GHG emissions across natural gas supply chains. This can support broader efforts to reduce emissions and strengthen energy security by improving accountability and easing comparability across different supply chains.

        Photo Showing The Cochrane Gas Generating Station Canada Shutterstock 9607699
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