Energy News 13/01: BYD's Rapid Expansion & Record-Breaking Energy Projects
This week's energy highlights capture pivotal moments shaping the future. From BYD's meteoric rise in the automotive industry to Europe's groundbreaking battery storage facility, these stories underscore the rapid evolution of energy and transportation. As we reflect on 2024—the hottest year ever recorded—we also explore the progress in EV charging infrastructure and the role of clean energy manufacturing in global transitions.
Mapping Clean Energy Manufacturing Trends
The International Energy Agency’s Energy Technology Perspectives 2024 report presents an insightful series of online tools and charts. These resources detail the current state of clean energy manufacturing and trade while forecasting its future evolution.
Europe's Largest Battery Farm
Scotland is repurposing a former coal mine to house Europe’s largest battery energy storage facility. With three major systems set to power 4.5 million homes for two hours by 2028, this transformation symbolizes a shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy hubs.
BYD’s Record-Breaking Growth
BYD has redefined growth in the auto sector, with sales surging from 440,000 in 2020 to an estimated 5.5 million in 2025. Now targeting a doubling of exports to 800,000 vehicles this year, questions arise over manufacturing scalability and export market expansion.
UK EV Charging Milestone
The UK now boasts over 70,000 public EV chargers, marking a 36% increase from 2023. While there’s still work to be done, this milestone reflects significant progress toward creating a robust charging infrastructure.
2024: The Hottest Year on Record
Global surface temperatures in 2024 averaged 2.32°F (1.29°C) above the 20th-century norm, making it the hottest year since records began in 1850. The past decade has seen the ten warmest years in recorded history, underscoring the urgent need for climate action.