In brief | 20 December '24

Ember: EU generated record 30% of electricity from wind and solar in first half of 2024, surpassing fossil fuels for first time

Ember's 2024 review shows highlights of energy transition's development.

The Guardian: 'If 1.5m Germans have them there must be something in it': how balcony solar is taking off

Balcony solar panels can save 30% on a typical household’s electricity bill and, with vertical surface area in cities larger than roof space, the appeal is clear.

Reuters: Amprion, Hitachi Energy sign over $2 bln contract for German converter stations

New power line to bring wind power from the North to industrial state of North Rhine-Westphalia by early 2030s

Recharge News: 'Furious with the Germans': was power price surge 'Dunkelflaute' or dodgy dealing?

Nordic neighbours launch expletive-ridden tirade and regulator checks for 'market abuse' after prices spike on lack of wind and sun.

Bloomberg: China’s biggest oil refiner says gasoline demand peaked 2023, decline to accelerate with shift to electric vehicles

Sinopec says demand for petrochemicals will cushion declines from road fuels.