Key developments
Microsoft weighs dropping hourly clean-power goal
EnergyNow.com's Alastair Marsh and ETEnergyworld reported on May 7 that Microsoft is weighing whether to delay or abandon its 2030 "100/100/0" goal to match hourly electricity use with renewable purchases as AI-driven data-center demand rises. The reports also said Microsoft had paused future carbon-dioxide-removal purchases, while Microsoft denied any policy change and said existing agreements remain intact. The reporting highlights pressure on one of the world's largest voluntary clean-energy buyers.
Why it matters
Any change to Microsoft’s clean-power strategy would ripple through renewable procurement and carbon-removal markets.
Sources & driving stories
ENERGYNOW.COM · Alastair Marsh
EnergyNow.com coverageETENERGYWORLD.COM
ETEnergyworld.com coverageIRENA says solar-storage undercuts fossil power
ETEnergyworld reported an IRENA analysis showing firm solar PV plus battery storage now costs about $54-$82 per MWh in high-irradiance markets, down from more than $100 per MWh in 2020. Wind plus storage is estimated at $59-$94 per MWh across markets including Inner Mongolia, Brazil, Germany, and Australia, with IRENA projecting another 30% decline by 2030 and 40% by 2035. The report says best sites could fall below $50/MWh and compares that with new coal in China at $70-$85/MWh and new gas above $100/MWh globally.
Why it matters
The cost trend strengthens the case for firm renewable power in utility planning and corporate procurement.
Sources & driving stories
ETENERGYWORLD.COM
ETEnergyworld.com coverageGLOBAL RENEWABLE NEWS
Global Renewable News coverageIrish groups launch anti-airport climate campaign
Padraig Conlon reported in Dublin People that more than 95 Irish groups launched "A Red Line for Airports" on May 7 to oppose new airport expansion, private jets, and night flights. The coalition wants strict carbon caps on airports inside national emission budgets and rejects offsets and so-called sustainable aviation fuels as greenwashing. The campaign lands as Dublin, Cork, and Waterford consider airport-related decisions and a draft bill could scrap Dublin Airport's passenger cap.
Why it matters
It adds organized pressure on aviation policy just as Irish airport capacity and emissions rules are being debated.
Sources & driving stories
DUBLIN PEOPLE · Padraig Conlon
Dublin People coverageWorth noting
WORTH NOTING
NYC renter battery pilot expands
The Every Electric-Con Edison program is growing from about 200 kW to 2 MW and testing whether renters without rooftop solar can still shave summer peaks.
WORTH NOTING
California canal solar saves water
The Nexus canal-top solar pilot reported 50-70% lower evaporation and an 85% drop in algae on covered canal sections, adding a land-and-water use angle to solar siting.
Still unclear
OPEN QUESTION
Will Microsoft formalize its target change?
The company is publicly denying a shift even as multiple reports say it is reconsidering its 2030 hourly matching and carbon-removal commitments.
OPEN QUESTION
Can cheaper firm renewables win procurement?
IRENA's cost figures suggest solar-plus-storage is approaching fossil competitiveness, but it remains unclear how quickly buyers will translate that into contracts.