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Solar Energy Poised To Eclipse Fossil Fuels As Global Power Leader

Solar Energy Ascends As The Future Power Source

A recent BloombergNEF report outlines a transformative shift in the energy landscape. Solar power is set to overtake coal, oil, and natural gas as the primary source of global energy within the next decade, driven by economic advantages and the rising demand spurred by artificial intelligence and widespread industrial electrification.

Economic Forces Propel Solar Adoption

Matthias Kimmel said solar energy continues gaining momentum largely because of its cost competitiveness. The report points to countries such as Pakistan, which added 25 gigawatts of solar capacity over the past two years following sharp increases in natural gas prices linked to geopolitical tensions. BloombergNEF noted that adoption could accelerate further if more governments introduce stricter emissions reduction targets.

Data Centers: A Catalyst For Energy Transition

Growing demand from data centres is also reshaping global energy investment patterns. According to the report, electricity needs tied to artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure could drive demand for an additional 1 terawatt of utility-scale solar capacity, alongside continued use of natural gas and coal.

Fossil fuels are still expected to account for 51% of incremental electricity generation supporting data centres by 2050 because of the need for constant power availability. At the same time, technology companies are increasingly influencing long-term energy investment decisions and infrastructure development.

Emerging Technologies Redefine Energy Storage

Alongside solar expansion, companies are investing in complementary technologies including long-duration battery storage, geothermal energy and nuclear power. Google recently committed $1 billion to 100-hour battery technology developed by Form Energy as part of broader efforts to strengthen energy resilience. The report also highlighted growing investor interest in companies such as Fervo Energy and X-energy.

Advancing Battery Technology And Hybrid Power Solutions

Falling solar panel costs, supported by large-scale manufacturing expansion and industrial policies in China, are also contributing to lower battery storage costs. In markets including Spain and Italy, excess solar generation has encouraged developers to move toward hybrid renewable projects combining solar facilities with battery storage systems. The approach is aimed at improving efficiency and increasing returns during periods of peak electricity demand.

Global Energy Independence And Economic Efficiency

BloombergNEF said its projections indicate that both market-driven and policy-driven decarbonisation strategies could reduce countries’ reliance on imported energy. The report added that continued cost declines and expanding installed capacity are strengthening solar energy’s role within the future global energy mix. As investment in renewable infrastructure accelerates, solar power is expected to remain central to long-term energy security and industrial electrification strategies worldwide.

Keve Welcomes New Cyprus Business Development Organisation

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) has welcomed Parliament’s unanimous approval of legislation establishing the Cyprus Business Development Organisation, describing it as a major step toward improving access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises, startups and self-employed professionals.

Expanding Access To Finance

The legislation creates a new public body aimed at addressing financing gaps by supporting businesses that struggle to secure funding through traditional channels.

According to Keve, the initiative could strengthen entrepreneurship, boost competitiveness and support Cyprus’ green and digital transition. The chamber has long argued that SMEs rely too heavily on bank financing, limiting investment, expansion and innovation.

Keve Calls For Swift Implementation

Keve said it helped shape the legislation through the consultation process and called for the organisation to become operational as quickly as possible. It also pledged to continue working with the Finance Ministry and the organisation’s management to support implementation.

How The Organisation Will Operate

Approved by Parliament on Tuesday, the legislation establishes Cyprus’ national business development body under the supervision of the Finance Minister, while the Central Bank of Cyprus will oversee anti-money laundering compliance.

The organisation will design financing programmes, provide loans and conduct studies to identify weaknesses in the financing market.

Cyprus will provide €60 million in initial capital. Over time, the body will also be able to raise funding from European and international institutions and benefit from state guarantees linked to approved strategic priorities.

Recovery Plan Milestone

Creation of the organisation is one of the final milestones under Cyprus’ Recovery and Resilience Plan and is required for the country to receive the plan’s ninth and final payment. Appointment of the board of directors remains the last outstanding step.

Before approving the bill, the Finance Ministry revised the draft following consultations with MPs and stakeholders. The changes removed provisions allowing the organisation to establish companies and narrowed the list of eligible beneficiaries by excluding small mid-cap companies.

Lawmakers also strengthened governance rules by introducing stricter board suitability requirements, conflict-of-interest safeguards, enhanced reporting obligations and borrowing limits. A seven-member board appointed by the Cabinet will oversee the organisation, while a transitional board will serve for two years until it becomes fully operational.

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