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Happy Wednesday,

Some good news to kick things off:

• Sales of zero-emission buses and coaches in Europe were up 35% (to 2,819 units) in the first half of 2024, per the International Council on Clean Transportation.

• Australia says it’ll protect 52% of its ocean territory.

• Global sales of electric vehicles rose 20% in August from a year before.

• India's coal-fired power output fell for a second straight month in September thanks partly to a surge in solar generation, says Reuters.

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Thanks for reading.

Nick Hedley

Editor, The Progress Playbook

How these countries are unlocking hidden grid capacity to speed up the energy transition

One of the biggest obstacles in the race to decarbonise the global economy is the shortage of power lines and other infrastructure needed to transport clean energy to where it’s needed. Because building new lines is costly — and takes a long time — some countries are deploying innovative technologies to expand grid capacity and keep the energy transition moving.

Many of these so-called ‘grid-enhancing technologies’ are still relatively new, but they’re already proving their worth. Pioneering utilities are deploying them to make better use of their existing power lines while they build new ones.

- Read the full story here.

These countries are leading the way to 100% renewable electricity

At least 10 countries are on track to get more than two-thirds of their electricity from wind and solar by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency.

Denmark, the current frontrunner, will be within touching distance of 100% renewables by the end of the decade, the IEA projects.

- Read the full story here.

Global energy emissions to peak this year, says DNV

However, while peak emissions is a critical inflection point, emissions aren’t expected to decline nearly fast enough to keep global warming to relatively safe levels.

- Read the full story here.

A message from our partner, Plentify:

Germany awards first ‘climate contracts’ to slash industrial emissions

Fifteen companies, including chemicals group BASF, will receive compensation for the extra costs required to substantially reduce emissions.

- Read the full story here.

World nearly on track to triple renewables by 2030 — IEA

Thanks to supportive policies and favourable economics, the world’s renewable power capacity is expected to nearly triple over the rest of this decade, according to the International Energy Agency’s projections.

- Read the full story here.

Spanish researchers find way to filter pesticides from agricultural runoff

The solution could remove at least 50-60% of pollutants that would otherwise enter the sea.

- Read the full story here.

Other articles you might find interesting:

• Portugal becomes the latest EU state to announce a flat-rate monthly rail pass

• Sanlam Investments returns as title sponsor for Africa’s Green Economy Summit 2025

• China’s EV and high-speed rail boom is curbing global oil demand, data shows

• Pedestrianisation of London’s Oxford Street will boost the local economy, mayor says

• How the Netherlands built a thriving circular economy

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