Renewables Now

Demands are growing for the US government to unseal the full files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender whose associates and connections have long drawn scrutiny. Commentators across the political spectrum are pressing for transparency, arguing the public deserves to know what investigators uncovered and who is named in the documents.

Polling in the Texas Senate race is drawing renewed attention as new numbers circulate among political observers. Commentators are weighing what the surveys suggest about the contest's competitiveness and whether recent movement could reshape expectations heading into the election. Discussion focuses on margins, methodology, and what the results mean for both parties' chances in the state.

New figures on global electricity generation show coal remained the world's largest source in 2024, producing about 34% of electricity, while wind and solar together reached 15%, up sharply from just 4% a decade earlier. The data, presented as charts drawn directly onto a world map, is drawing attention to both the slow pace of the coal decline and the rapid growth of renewables.

The Middle East Institute has published an analysis examining Turkey's nuclear ambitions in the environment following the war involving Iran. The piece explores how the conflict may reshape Ankara's strategic calculations regarding nuclear capability, and whether regional destabilisation could push Turkey to reconsider its position on acquiring nuclear weapons or advancing its civilian nuclear programme.

A new poll indicates that voters across the political spectrum back reducing air pollution and expanding clean energy, according to Environment America. The findings suggest environmental policies retain broad popular support despite partisan divisions in politics. Advocates say the results could encourage lawmakers from both parties to back clean air and renewable energy measures.

Thai power company Electricity Generating (EGCO) has closed its acquisition of a 49% stake in a 339-megawatt portfolio of solar and wind plants in the United States. The deal adds renewable generation capacity to the company's overseas portfolio and reflects its strategy of expanding into clean energy assets abroad, according to the announcement of the completed purchase.

NextEra Energy and Entergy topped U.S. solar project starts in the fourth quarter, according to Industrial Info Resources. The ranking highlights which utility companies drove the most new solar construction activity at the end of the year, underscoring continued momentum in America's renewable energy build-out despite a challenging policy environment.

NASA is reported to be developing infrastructure for a permanent Moon base ahead of any crewed arrival, with habitat and surface systems being prepared in advance of astronaut missions under the Artemis program. The claim has drawn attention as discussion grows over the timeline for returning humans to the lunar surface and establishing a lasting presence there.

A mortgage broker in Ocean Springs, Mississippi says homebuyers still hold negotiating power even with mortgage rates climbing above 7%. High borrowing costs have cooled demand, giving buyers room to push on price and closing terms in a market where many would-be purchasers have stepped back.

The Frozen Zoo, a genetic repository storing DNA samples from thousands of endangered species, is being profiled in an interview with its scientist Katie Heineman. She discusses how preserving wildlife genetic material today could help conservation, research and possibly species revival in the future. The feature highlights the growing role of biobanks in protecting biodiversity as extinction rates rise.

National Guard units are running training exercises to prepare for chemical and biological threats. The teams practice detection, protection and response procedures for incidents involving hazardous agents. The drills highlight ongoing efforts to keep emergency response capabilities ready for attacks or accidents involving dangerous substances on US soil.

Spain's government on Tuesday approved a package of housing measures under pressure from nationwide protests, including a proposed ban on evictions until 2030 and the automatic renewal of tenant contracts, a minister said. The announcement follows weeks of demonstrations over soaring rents and the lack of affordable housing across the country.

Qualcomm has renewed its global licensing agreement with Apple, extending the arrangement under which Apple pays to use Qualcomm's chip technology in its devices. The renewed deal is set to take effect on 1 April 2027, suggesting it covers the period after the current agreement expires. The renewal secures continued cooperation between the two companies, which have historically combined a major commercial relationship with patent and licensing disputes.

Nutrition and agriculture specialists are highlighting that legumes improve soil fertility, boost nutrition, diversify cropping systems and strengthen resilience against shocks. Yet in Africa their potential is limited by poor seed systems, biotic and abiotic constraints, weak policy support, post-harvest losses and uneven research investment. The argument is that closing these gaps would unlock major food security and farming benefits across the continent.

A doctor speaking to French media has highlighted that around 12 million people are affected by high cholesterol, describing the symptoms to watch for and the steps people can take to prevent it. The advice focuses on better diet, regular check-ups and recognising that the condition often shows no warning signs.

Food Loss and Waste Awareness Day is drawing attention to the finding that nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables and animal-source products are lost or wasted earliest in the food supply chain. Nutrition commentators warn that this loss of micronutrient-rich foods contributes to hidden hunger, where populations consume enough calories but lack essential vitamins and minerals, prompting calls to prioritise reducing waste of these foods.

The University of Rochester is highlighting that effective suicide prevention must begin long before someone reaches a crisis point. The message stresses early intervention, recognizing warning signs, and building support systems in everyday life rather than relying solely on emergency responses. Mental health advocates have long argued that prevention programs, screening, and community awareness save more lives than crisis-only measures.

A Richmond city council meeting descended into disorder during a discussion about solar panels, according to local reporting from WWBT. Details of what caused the derailment and what solar proposals were on the table have not been disclosed. The incident has drawn attention to tensions over renewable energy planning in the city.

Pete Hegseth is trending in searches across Australia and the United Kingdom. The renewed attention comes as the top U.S. cyber agency laid out an election security plan just weeks before the midterm elections, a move drawing scrutiny of how national security leadership is handling threats to the vote. No specific new allegation against Hegseth has been confirmed in the available coverage.

Mortgage rates in the United States have returned to 7%, renewing debate over the direction of the housing market. The Wall Street Journal examined what higher borrowing costs mean for buyers, sellers and home prices. Many are weighing whether affordability pressures will cool demand further or whether the market has already adjusted to rates at this level.

Residents of Clinton County, Michigan are once again debating a proposed solar farm in their community. The project has divided locals, with supporters pointing to the economic and clean energy benefits, while opponents raise concerns about land use and the impact on farmland and property values. The renewed discussion comes as officials weigh the plan's future.