The world's biggest off-grid solar programme ⚡

Plus, more sustainable development news.

Author

Nick Hedley
March 12, 2025

Hi,

Here’s some good news to start the day:

  • For the first time ever, battery-electric buses outsold diesel models (including hybrids) in Europe in the last three months of 2024, Sustainable Bus reported.

  • Elsewhere, Kenyan electric bus company BasiGo will soon start deploying 100 of its buses in Rwanda, the publication says.

  • The UK government has made good on its promise to ban new offshore oil and gas drilling, saying the North Sea will become a clean energy hub instead.

  • British policymakers also say they’ll fast-track the expansion of the power grid by offering people living close to new electricity pylons cheaper electricity.

  • Two in five new homes in England now have solar panels, according to a report by The Times.

  • China is pushing its oil refiners to reduce fuel output after industry giant Sinopec said consumption of diesel and gasoline had already peaked, Bloomberg reported.

  • On that note, EVs, including plug-in hybrids, accounted for 49% of China’s auto sales in February, according to Reuters.

  • India’s annual solar capacity additions will double to 30GW in fiscal year 2025, according to the State Bank of India’s projections.

  • The Australian government is preparing to fast-track approvals for 16GW of wind and solar and 6GW of energy storage projects as it seeks to get the nation to 82% renewable power by 2030.

  • Germany’s new coalition government has agreed to maintain the transition to clean energy.

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Thanks for reading.

Nick Hedley

Editor, The Progress Playbook

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- Read the full story here.

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Instead of building a bridge for cars, Austin chose to invest that $50 million in cycling infrastructure, based on advice from Dutch mobility experts. This led to more people walking and cycling, and yielded increased spending at restaurants and shops. As a result, other streets wanted similar improvements.

- Read the full story here.

Nearly half of global methane emissions come from agricultural activities such as livestock production, rice cultivation and burning crop waste. Thankfully, solutions are emerging.

- Read the full story here.

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