Geothermal Could Replace Coal in Europe - Good Climate News
Europe could replace all of its coal generation and much of its gas with clean, low-carbon geothermal, heralds energy think tank Ember. 43 GW of geothermal electricity generation capacity is already competitive economically, with more to come as new enhanced geothermal techniques advance.
“Geothermal power plants are well suited to a changing energy system, offering firm power, battery-like storage capabilities, and the potential to meet rising electricity demand from data centres.”
2. Heat Pumps Outsell Gas Furnaces in US
For the fourth year in a row, clean electric heat pumps have outsold gas furnaces in the US, reports Canary Media. Although total sales experienced a small dip in 2025, the long-term trend is clearly towards heat pumps as subsidies make them more affordable and cheaper, more capable models come to market.
“Electric heat pumps are two-way air conditioners that offer both space cooling and heating. They’re a critical tool to eradicating carbon pollution from buildings, which account for more than one-third of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.”
3. Spain Reaches 50 GW Solar Capacity
Spain added 8.7 GW of solar capacity in 2025, bringing its total installed capacity to 50 GW, explains Carbon Brief.
“Solar accounts for 33.9% of Spain’s installed power capacity and generated 18.4% of total electricity in 2025.”
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4. Portugal Electricity 80% Renewable in January
Portugal generated 80% of its electricity from renewable sources in January, notes Euronews. Its reliance on clean, low-carbon renewable sources saved an estimated €703 million on fossil gas bills.
“Portugal’s electricity production was led by hydropower, which accounted for 36.8% of its overall mix. This was closely followed by wind (35.2%) while solar represented 4.4%.”
5. Heat Pumps Power UK Brewery
Thermal batteries are increasingly replacing fossil fuels in industrial heat applications, explains Latitude Media. These batteries charge at times when renewable energy is cheap, and discharge in the form of heat.
“Industrial heat accounts for about…15% of global emissions - equivalent to the annual emissions of the U.S. and India combined.”
📈 Chart of the Week
Evidence is mounting that China’s carbon emissions peaked in 2024. Emissions have been flat or falling for 21 consecutive months, according to a new analysis by Carbon Brief. This could be the start of a downward trend that will have profound global climate implications. At the very least, it represents a long, sustained pause in China’s emissions trajectory.
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