From Hormuz Chaos to Energy Independence: Why Renewables Are Winning the Geopolitical Game

Strait of Hormuz Shutdown: 

The Fossil Fuel Wake-Up Call That Makes Renewables the Only Secure Path Forward

The ongoing war in Iran has starkly exposed the world's dangerous dependence on fragile fossil fuel chokepoints. Fighting has virtually halted oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway that normally carries about one-fifth of global oil and a significant share of liquefied natural gas (LNG). This disruption has sent energy markets into turmoil, driving up prices and putting severe pressure on import-dependent economies.

Asia, the primary destination for much of this oil, has been hit hardest, but the ripple effects are felt worldwide—including in Europe, where governments are scrambling to reduce energy demand, and in Africa, facing higher fuel costs and inflation risks.

What makes this moment different from past oil shocks is that renewables are now genuinely competitive. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), more than 90% of new renewable power projects worldwide in 2024 were cheaper than fossil-fuel alternatives. The conflict underscores the urgent need to accelerate the global shift to clean energy, reducing vulnerability to geopolitical flashpoints like the Strait of Hormuz.

For the Republic of Croatia, the future in renewables looks increasingly promising. Thanks to abundant natural advantages—high solar irradiation (one of the best in the EU), strong wind resources, established hydropower, and significant geothermal potential—the country is rapidly expanding its clean energy capacity.

In 2025, Croatia set new records: solar, wind, biomass, and biogas together generated over 5 TWh, surpassing other sources and covering 26.6% of electricity consumption. When including hydropower, renewables supplied more than 52.6% of electricity. Solar installations surged, reaching around 1.255 GW by late 2025, with projections for solar to overtake wind in installed capacity by early 2026.

Croatia's revised National Energy and Climate Plan targets a 42.5% share of renewables in gross final energy consumption by 2030 (with ambitions up to 65.6% by 2050), supported by massive untapped potential: up to 7 GW of solar and an estimated 25 GW in offshore wind. Ongoing regulatory improvements aim to unblock grid connections for large-scale projects, boost behind-the-meter solar and storage, and develop geothermal for baseload power.

By investing in these domestic, secure, and increasingly affordable sources, Croatia can enhance energy independence, shield itself from global fossil fuel volatility—like the current Hormuz crisis—and lead in Europe's green transition. The path is clear: renewables aren't just the future; they're the present and the smartest way forward.

Zeljko Serdar, Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources (CCRES)

Italy's renewables sector

Italy is ramping up its green energy game with the updated National Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC), aiming for climate neutrality by 2050. The plan sets ambitious 2030 targets to slash fossil fuel reliance through massive solar, wind, and green hydrogen rollout, aligning with the EU's Fit for 55 and REPowerEU goals. While progress is strong (e.g., renewables hit ~37% of electricity in 2022), hitting these marks will require turbocharged growth amid challenges like grid bottlenecks and permitting hurdles. 

Key Targets for 2030. 

Total Energy Consumption: 39.4% share from renewables in gross final energy consumption (up from ~19.6% in 2023 and the old plan's 30%). 

Electricity Generation: 63.4% share from renewables (up from 37.1% in 2022; targeting ~237 TWh production, with 80 GW solar and 28 GW wind capacity). 

Heating & Cooling: 35.9% share from renewables (up from 20.6%; boosted by heat pumps, biomass, and district systems). 

Transport Sector: 34.2% share from renewables (exceeding EU's 29%; via e-mobility, biofuels, biomethane, and ~6.5M electric vehicles). 

Green Hydrogen: 42% of industrial hydrogen needs met by renewables (targeting 5 GW electrolysers and ~0.7 Mton/year production; key for hard-to-abate sectors). 

Context & Ambition 

Submitted to the EU in 2024, this revised PNIEC pushes for energy security post-Russia-Ukraine disruptions (Italy cut Russian gas dependence from 46%). It emphasizes diversification with renewable gases, biofuels, and innovation like agrivoltaics and offshore wind, while exceeding some EU minima for a pragmatic, affordable transition. 

Challenges & Growth

Italy's renewables grew to ~40% of electricity by 2023, but needs ~7-8 GW annual solar additions to reach 80 GW total. Hurdles include permitting delays, land constraints, and grid upgrades, but projects like the SoutH2 Corridor (hydrogen backbone), Tyrrhenian Link (HVDC grid), and NRRP-funded offshore wind farms (€3.6B for smart grids) are accelerating progress. With €55M+ in NRRP for renewables/hydrogen, the path to 2030 looks promising—if execution ramps up.

While growth is promising, challenges like permitting delays persist. Initiatives like the 2025 Grid Development Plan aim to add over 65 GW of renewables by 2030, focusing on solar (to 79 GW) and wind (to 28 GW).

Rooftop solar emissions math

The high cost of solar comes at a time when utility bills are rising faster than inflation, with that trend expected to continue.

Spanish renewables developer RIC Energy said it has closed EUR 29.5 million (USD 34.0m) in project financing for two solar photovoltaic projects in Almodovar del Campo, central Spain.

The financing was provided by Alameda Energy Fund, a renewables-focused vehicle managed by Beka Credit, RIC Energy said in a LinkedIn post. The company will use the funds to build its Bluesol 1 and Bluesol 2 solar farms, which will have a combined installed capacity of over 60 MW.

The transaction marks RIC Energy’s first project finance deal in Spain and involves the company’s first projects to be constructed in the country after two decades of developing renewables abroad.

RIC Energy said the transaction represents a “decisive step” in its transformation into an independent power producer (IPP) and showcases its ability to develop projects supported by its own financial strength.

Polish renewables developer-operator R.Power SA said it has started construction of the 55-MWp Lazuri solar farm in north-western Romania.

The project, located in the Lazuri commune of Satu Mare County, will be built by R.Power’s EPC arm NOMAD Electric, the company said.

The solar farm will connect to the national grid via a new 110-kV substation linked to the Vetis–Abator transmission line. Once operational, the plant is expected to produce around 70 GWh of electricity per year, enough to power more than 48,000 homes

The Lazuri project is backed by a 15-year contract-for-difference (CfD) awarded to R.Power in Romania’s renewables auction.

Ukraine’s government has approved the provision of UAH 440 million (USD 10.5m/EUR 9.08m) in state grants to support the development of decentralized renewable energy sources and secure an uninterrupted power supply for critical public facilities.

Some UAH 396 million will be allocated to local budgets for the installation of solar panels, heat pumps, and energy storage systems in schools, hospitals, and kindergartens. The remaining UAH 44 million will fund technical assistance for procurements, which will be carried out by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

This project underscores our priority: decentralization of the energy system and high-quality management of public investments, made possible through cooperation with the European Investment Bank and our international partners.

The Renewable Energy Solutions (RES) program is financed by a grant from the European Investment Bank (EIB) provided by the Federal Government of Germany and the International Climate Initiative (IKI). The project is jointly implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and the UNDP, which will act as the procurement agent.

India's solar module manufacturing capacity is set to surpass 125 GW by 2025, well above domestic demand of around 40 GW, which is expected to lead to an inventory buildup of 29 GW by the third quarter of 2025.

India's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has been very effective in driving factory announcements, but the industry is now seeing warning signs of overcapacity. The challenge has shifted from building capacity to achieving cost-competitiveness and diversifying export markets.

New 50% reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US have significantly impacted India's module exports to its primary export market.

Indian-assembled module using imported cells is at least USD 0.03 per W more expensive than a fully imported Chinese module, while a completely ‘Made in India’ module would cost more than double Chinese counterparts.

Achieving cost-competitiveness will require a pivot to aggressive research and development (R&D), investment in next-generation technology, and a push to open new export markets in Africa, Latin America, and Europe.

India is at a crossroads, but it holds the clearest potential to become the only credible, large-scale alternative to the Chinese solar supply chain.

Dubai-based AMEA Power has begun installing the first solar panels at its 1,000-MW solar power project with a 600-MWh battery system in Egypt’s Benban area of Aswan, saying it will become Africa’s largest integrated solar and storage project.

In China’s domestic market, industry participants reported that over half of the nearly 20 GW wafer inventory comprises n-type 210R (182mm × 210 mm) wafers, underscoring a concentration in this specification. Market insiders noted that some producers have slightly reduced selling prices for these wafers from around CNY 1.40 ($0.20)/pc to CNY 1.35/pc to ease inventory pressure and improve cash flow, while emphasizing that favorable policy guidance alone is insufficient to stabilize prices amid weak demand.

Adding to the cost burden, another market participant noted that rising silver prices have pushed up solar cell manufacturing costs, further limiting producers’ ability to absorb any wafer price increases.

Despite these headwinds, wafer production remains at elevated levels. Sources indicated that average utilization rates have exceeded 60%, and October wafer output is expected to surpass 60 GW. However, under current policy directives on production control, market participants expect output to decline in November and December as inventory accumulation intensifies.

On the export front, both market sources and customs data show that Chinese wafer exports increased from January to September 2025 compared with the same period in 2024. This growth was primarily driven by rising solar cell manufacturing capacity in India, now the second-largest wafer consumption market after China. Other major export destinations include Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Indonesia, where Chinese wafers are processed into solar cells for markets such as India and Turkey, or further assembled into modules in Africa before being shipped to the U.S.

Sodium Batteries - Safer and Cheaper #learnstuff

Sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries are creating a "wow" factor because they are a potentially cheaper, more sustainable, and safer alternative to lithium-ion batteries, with notable advancements in performance, such as fast charging and better cold-temperature performance. While they currently have lower energy density than some lithium-ion batteries, they are becoming a promising technology for large-scale energy storage like electric grids, as well as for some vehicles and devices. 

Explore the rise of sodium-ion batteries (SIB/Na-ion) — cheaper, safer, and built from abundant materials like iron, carbon, and salt. This video breaks down how SIBs work, key chemistries (NFPP, NASICON, Prussian blue analogs), advantages vs. Li-ion, and recent breakthroughs from UCSD/UChicago, JNCASR, BYD, CATL, Altris, Faradion, and more. 

Learn about fast-charging, solid-state anode‑free designs, grid-scale potential, and real-world commercialization efforts across Germany, China, India, and Australia. Perfect for tech-curious viewers wanting a clear snapshot of the sodium battery revolution. 

If you found this helpful, please like and share to spread the word.

#SodiumIon #NaIon #BatteryTech #EnergyStorage #EVbatteries #SIB

SIBs received academic and commercial interest in the 2010s and early 2020s, largely due to lithium's high cost, uneven geographic distribution, and environmentally-damaging extraction process. Unlike lithium, sodium is abundant, particularly in saltwater. 

SIB cells consist of a cathode based on a sodium-based material, an anode (not necessarily a sodium-based material) and a liquid electrolyte containing dissociated sodium salts in polar protic or aprotic solvents. During charging, sodium ions move from the cathode to the anode while electrons travel through the external circuit. During discharge, the reverse process occurs.

Sodium-ion batteries have several advantages over competing battery technologies. Compared to lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries have somewhat lower cost, better safety characteristics (for the aqueous versions), and similar power delivery characteristics, but also a lower energy density (especially the aqueous versions). 

Companies around the world have been working to develop commercially viable sodium-ion batteries.

In July 2024, the University of Chicago and UC San Diego developed an anode-free sodium solid-state battery that they claimed was cheaper, safer, fast charging, and high capacity.

A research team at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has developed a super-fast charging sodium-ion battery (SIB) based on a NASICON-type cathode and anode material, that can charge up to 80% in just six minutes and last over 3000 charge cycles.

Australia's Altech is building a 120 MWh plant in Germany.

Germany invested €1.3 million in a sodium-ion project with BASF and Mercedes-Benz.

Altris AB was founded by Associate Professor Reza Younesi, his former PhD student, Ronnie Mogensen, and Associate Professor William Brant as a spin-off from Uppsala University, Sweden launched in 2017 as part of research efforts from the team on sodium-ion batteries. Altris holds patents on non-flammable fluorine-free electrolytes consisting of NaBOB in alkyl-phosphate solvents, Prussian white cathode, and cell production. Clarios is partnering to produce batteries using Altris technology.

BYD in 2023 invested $1.4B USD into the construction of a sodium-ion battery plant in Xuzhou with an annual output of 30 GWh.

Chinese battery manufacturer CATL (world's largest EV battery maker) announced in 2021 that it would bring a sodium-ion based battery to market by 2023. It uses Prussian blue analogue for the positive electrode and porous carbon for the negative electrode. They claimed a specific energy density of 160 Wh/kg in their first generation battery.

Faradion Limited is a subsidiary of India's Reliance Industries. Its cell design uses oxide cathodes with hard carbon anode and a liquid electrolyte. Their pouch cells have energy densities comparable to commercial Li-ion batteries (160 Wh/kg at cell-level), with good rate performance up to 3C, and cycle lives of 300 (100% depth of discharge) to over 1,000 cycles (80% depth of discharge). Its battery packs have demonstrated use for e-bike and e-scooter applications. They demonstrated transporting sodium-ion cells in the shorted state (at 0 V), eliminating risks from commercial transport of such cells.[93] It is partnering with AMTE Power plc (formerly known as AGM Batteries Limited).

The future for sodium-ion batteries is bright, driven by their lower cost, abundance of sodium, and improving performance, making them a strong contender for grid-scale energy storage and budget-friendly electric vehicles. Market growth is projected to be substantial, with forecasts showing significant expansion in annual production and market value over the next decade. Key challenges remain, such as increasing energy density and cycle life, but ongoing research and development are rapidly addressing these issues, and some manufacturers are already producing them for commercial use. 

Renewable energy surpassed coal

For the first time, renewable energy has surpassed coal as the primary source of electricity worldwide, according to a new report, marking a shift in global reliance on environmentally harmful fossil fuels.

Renewable energy contributed 34.3% of all global electricity generated in the first half of 2025, while coal fell to 33.1%. Renewable energies include sources like solar, wind, and hydro, as opposed to fossil fuels like coal and natural gas.

Nevertheless, global coal generation fell 0.6% in the first half compared to the same period a year earlier.

I think that most economies want to expand their clean electricity, but some are more strategic and seizing on the opportunity than others.

China has been particularly clever in decreasing its reliance on fossil fuels. Countries including Hungary, Pakistan and Australia set records in solar energy production, generating 20% or more of their electricity from solar power.

Global carbon dioxide emissions fell slightly in the first half of the year as solar and wind power "exceeded demand growth and led to a slight fall in fossil fuel use."

China has been the largest driver in the move to renewable energy sources, accounting for 55% of global solar generation growth. The United States' share, by contrast, was just 14%. Renewables might slow as the Trump administration moves to sharply reduce clean-energy development.

While the world — including the United States — is making significant gains in making energy cleaner, increased demand leaves renewables struggling to meet consumer needs. The tech race to integrate artificial intelligence into daily life is in part to blame.

This has really been an inflection point for the United States in that power demand in the U.S. had flatlined for a couple decades, and with the growth of data centers, and AI and crypto, and with other growth from industries and air conditioning, and so on, we're starting to see electricity demand grow 3% per year, rather than be flat or 1%.

Populous developing countries like China and India led the charge in adding more renewable energies. Meanwhile, Western societies including the European Union and the United States met some of their increased electricity demand through the use of fossil fuels during this period.

Renewable Energy / 30% Global Electricity

In a landmark achievement for global energy systems, renewable energy now accounts for 30% of global electricity generation. This milestone reflects the growing prominence of renewable sources—such as solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass—in transforming the energy landscape. 

Sourced from naturally replenishable resources, renewables are pivotal not only in electricity generation but also in heating, cooling, and transportation. As the world grapples with the urgent need to mitigate climate change, the rise of renewables signals a promising shift toward a low-carbon future, offering environmental, economic, and social benefits.

Renewable energy’s versatility is one of its greatest strengths. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite and heavily concentrated in specific regions, renewable sources are widely distributed, making them accessible across diverse geographies. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels harness sunlight, wind turbines capture kinetic energy, and geothermal systems tap into the Earth’s heat, providing sustainable alternatives that produce minimal greenhouse gas emissions. These technologies are particularly valuable for off-grid solutions in remote or underserved areas, where access to centralized power grids is limited. By enabling energy independence, renewables enhance energy security, reduce reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets, and empower communities worldwide.

The rapid growth of renewables is driven by both technological advancements and favorable economics. Over the past decade, the costs of solar PV and wind power have plummeted, making them increasingly competitive with, and in many cases cheaper than, fossil fuels. Innovations in energy storage, such as advanced batteries, and improvements in grid infrastructure have further addressed challenges like intermittency, ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply. These advancements have accelerated the global transition to renewables, with countries across the world scaling up their renewable energy capacities to meet ambitious climate targets.

However, achieving a sustainable energy future requires more than just scaling up renewable electricity generation. To maximize their impact, renewables must be integrated across all sectors, including heating, cooling, and transportation. Electrification of these sectors—through technologies like electric vehicles, heat pumps, and solar water heaters—can significantly reduce carbon emissions. Biofuels, derived from organic matter, offer a renewable alternative for hard-to-electrify sectors like aviation and heavy industry. Similarly, biomass burners and geothermal heating systems provide low-carbon solutions for residential and industrial heating. By diversifying the applications of renewable energy, societies can decarbonize their energy systems holistically, addressing emissions across the board.

The transition to a renewable-dominated energy system is not without challenges. Scaling up renewable energy requires substantial investments in infrastructure, grid modernization, and energy storage. It also demands supportive policies, such as subsidies for renewable projects, carbon pricing, and phase-outs of fossil fuel subsidies, to create favorable market conditions. International cooperation is critical, as developing nations often face financial and technological barriers to adopting renewables at scale. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted global effort, with governments, businesses, and communities working together to drive innovation and deployment.

The fact that renewables now constitute 30% of global electricity generation is a testament to the progress made in the fight against climate change. However, this is just the beginning. To meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and limit global warming to 1.5°C, the share of renewables must increase rapidly across all sectors. This requires not only technological innovation but also bold policy decisions and public support. By prioritizing renewables, the world can build a resilient, low-carbon energy system that ensures a sustainable future for generations to come. The momentum is clear, and with continued effort, renewable energy can power a cleaner, greener, and more equitable world.

OUTLINE:

	The Renewable Energy Revolution
	The Renewable Energy Revolution
	Technological Progress and Economic Drivers
	Sector Integration and Holistic Decarbonization
	CHALLENGES AND THE PATH FORWARD
	THE FUTURE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY
	About CCRES

Mind Blowing Energy Facts You Didn't Know

Here are some fun and fascinating energy facts to spark your curiosity:

1. The Sun’s Overabundance: In just one hour, the Earth receives enough energy from the Sun to power the entire world for a year. If we could harness even a fraction of that solar power, we’d never run out of energy!
2. Lightning’s Raw Power: A single lightning bolt carries enough energy to toast about 100,000 slices of bread. That’s one electrifying breakfast!
3. Human Energy Output: The average person generates about 100 watts of energy at rest—just enough to power a light bulb. When you’re exercising, that can jump to over 300 watts. You’re basically a walking power plant!
4. Coal’s Long Reign: Coal has been used as an energy source for over 4,000 years, dating back to ancient China. It’s still a major player today, though renewables are starting to steal the spotlight.
5. Wind Power Origins: The first windmills were built in Persia around 200 BCE to grind grain. Today’s wind turbines are their high-tech descendants, generating electricity instead of flour.
6. Eel-ectricity: Electric eels can produce shocks of up to 600 volts—enough to stun prey or deter predators. Nature’s own renewable energy source!
7. Energy in Your Coffee: A single cup of coffee contains about 0.00002 kilowatt-hours of energy. It’s not much, but it’s enough to get your personal engine running.

Hope these facts give you a jolt of excitement about energy! Let me know if you’d like more.