In brief | 16 January ‘26
Reuters: German economy breaks 2-year slide with modest 2025 growth
Europe's biggest economy became stuck in stagnation when its vast industrial sector got priced out of key export markets and consumers chose to save rather than spend.
Bloomberg: Sweden is retreating from its bold green ambitions
Skepticism has taken hold in parliament, the environmental drive gone into reverse, and investors in giant clean industrial projects are getting cold feet.
dpa: Europe falls short of wind energy targets, industry association says
An estimated 17 to 18 gigawatts (GW) of new onshore and offshore wind capacity were added across the continent last year, according to preliminary figures, well below what is required to stay on track for Europe's energy goals, industry association WindEurope said.
Reuters: EnBW pulls plug on two UK offshore wind farms, takes $1.4 billion impairment
The two offshore wind projects - Mona and Morgan - with a potential total capacity of 3 gigawatts did not qualify for government support via so-called contracts for difference in this week's record auction, EnBW said.
Electrive: France’s second social leasing programme reaches 50,000 EV target
Through this initiative, 50,000 low-income households were able to lease an electric car on special terms for three years.
Forbes: Many climate risks have been underestimated by policymakers, report finds
Global temperatures are accelerating faster than predicted, driven by a hidden “sunshine” effect created by air pollution which has offset many risk predictions around warming, according to the analysis.
European Commission: EU clears €200m German backing for Canadian green hydrogen imports
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €200 million German scheme to support the production in Canada of renewable hydrogen and its derivatives.
ACEA: Battery-electric cars accounted for 2.3% of EU fleet in 2024
ACEA’s “Vehicles on European Roads” report provides key data, including average vehicle age, vehicle power types, vehicle ownership patterns.
