Energy in Demand News, June 14-15, 2026

Constraining new solar and wind resources could cost the U.S. an additional $121.2 billion in electricity and natural gas expenses beginning in 2027 through 2033, according to a new study from the Corporate Energy Buyers Association (CEBA). The new analysis entitled “The Cost of Constraining New Solar and Wind” compares both baseline and high-load-growth scenarios in which new solar and wind resources were and were not allowed to compete against other generation sources across U.S. power markets. Without those low-cost renewables coming online, electricity prices would rise sharply in the years ahead, the study found. The rate increases would be the highest for ratepayers in Texas. A New York Times newsletter reports: “Despite the Trump administration’s attempts to slow the growth of renewable power, the cleanest source of energy is growing, while the dirtiest source is fading. Last month, solar power overtook coal as an electricity source in the United States for the first time, according to Ember, an energy research firm. What an energy transition!

The Financial Times reports that the European Commission is considering extending free carbon allowances under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) beyond the current 2039 deadline, provided energy-intensive industries make substantial investments in Europe and continue their decarbonisation efforts. The move reflects growing concerns over high energy prices and the competitiveness of sectors such as steel and chemicals, particularly in countries that remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels. Alongside the extension, Brussels is examining measures including a €30 billion investment boost for industry and possible expansion of carbon pricing to sectors such as waste and aviation, although these proposals face significant political resistance.

The Financial Times reports that the Asian Development Bank has said that “Asia is now suffering the lender’s worst-case scenario under the global energy crisis, with 15 countries seeking emergency loans in response to the war in Iran. ADB president Masato Kanda told the FT that the multilateral lender had received formal requests for $4bn as Asian economies grapple with severe shortages of oil and gas. “The worst scenario is now materialised and . . . unfortunately Asia-Pacific is the region that is most severely affected,” said Kanda. “The energy price hike, the shipping price hike and the input price hike has now materialised.”

Euronews reports that Europe experienced one of its hottest months of May on record last month under an unusually early heatwave that the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service warned is becoming the “new normal”. It was the second-hottest May on record globally, and Britain, France, Ireland and Portugal broke their own records as a “heat dome” of warm air from northern Africa pushed temperatures well above normal levels across western Europe. So, are you ready for the new normal? What can we do to get back to the “old” normal?

In planning travel over the upcoming weeks, here are some useful ideas to help you along:

• Check out the Good Night Train website for the unique way to travel through Europe while you sleep.
• There’s never been a more important moment to travel right in Europe with masses of overdevelopment, cruise ships, walking pollution and captive cetaceans still hot topics when it comes to responsible tourism issues in Europe. Check out the Responsible Travel website.
• World Walks provides us with walking holidays in Europe.
• Here are 15 remarkable mountain peaks in Europe to conquer in summer.
• Cycling for Softies provides us with the 15 best cycling holidays in Europe in 2026.

Lewis H. Lapham (1935-2024), an American editor and writer, gives us an important message about democracy: “Dissent is what rescues democracy from a quiet death behind closed doors.”

EiD welcomes your views about this week’s selection of posts on the zero-carbon energy transition:

• Climate cost of expanded World Cup under scrutiny as emissions set to soar
• EEA publishes new package on climate resilience
• A stronger safety net for Europe’s new carbon market
• The EU ETS enters a defining moment
• Majority of Europeans back reducing fossil fuel imports to make Europe safer, polling shows
• AI’s energy appetite Is testing Britain’s clean power ambitions
• 150 new power plants: the cost of balancing the grid if the EU slashes EV targets
• Companies could triple green steel demand using existing tools, report finds 
• The perfect storm facing Europe’s chemical industry
• Energy efficiency is the missing piece of UK industrial competitiveness

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