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Key developments
Record-warm May brings Western Europe heatwave
Copernicus said May was joint second-warmest on record at 1.42C above pre-industrial levels, extending a streak in which December through April all ranked among their respective warmest months. Western Europe then saw an exceptionally strong heatwave in the second half of May, and ClimaMeter attributed the event to human-driven climate change, describing the setup as rare outside autumn. Copernicus also reported exceptionally high sea-surface temperatures, especially in the tropical Pacific, while scientists said 2026 is virtually certain to rank among the 10 warmest years and could finish in the top five.
Why it matters
Persistent record warmth and early-season heatwaves increase the odds of further extreme weather and may accelerate an El Niño-driven temperature spike.
Sources & driving stories
EARTH.ORG · Martina Igini
Earth.Org coverageU.S. solar generation overtakes coal in May
Ember analysis of U.S. government data, reported by Grist and the Associated Press, found solar supplied 12.8% of U.S. electricity in May, ahead of coal at 12.2% for the first time on record. Coal had already fallen to an all-time monthly low in April and only ticked up slightly in May. The milestone came as the Trump administration announced new coal funding and continued moves that slow or cancel clean-energy projects.
Why it matters
It signals a structural shift in the U.S. power mix even as federal policy leans toward fossil fuels.
Sources & driving stories
GRIST · Tik Root
Grist coverageASSOCIATED PRESS · Jennifer McDermott
Associated Press coverageIndia merchant battery storage faces regulatory test
Asian Power reported that India's merchant battery storage sector is facing its first major regulatory test as draft central and Rajasthan rules tighten access to grid charging and dispatcher control. Merchant systems account for about 80% of India's operational BESS capacity, and developers say the changes could raise capital costs by 60% to 80% by squeezing arbitrage economics. The sector sits inside a much larger storage buildout planned for 2031-32, so the draft rules could materially affect how quickly standalone storage scales.
Why it matters
Rules that weaken merchant storage economics could slow a key flexibility tool for integrating renewables into India's grid.
Sources & driving stories
ASIAN POWER
Asian Power coverageWorth noting
WORTH NOTING
Solar and storage dominated Q1 additions
SEIA and Wood Mackenzie said they accounted for 91% of new U.S. generating capacity in Q1, showing buildout momentum remains strong beyond the May coal crossover.
WORTH NOTING
Indonesia farmers face climate-market squeeze
Forum speakers in Jakarta described smallholders struggling with erratic weather, sea-level rise, and volatile prices, with a cited study linking 1% higher temperatures to 1% to 2% higher food costs.
Still unclear
OPEN QUESTION
Will El Niño arrive in June?
The WMO says it could, and an early onset would likely add another warming driver to already near-record global heat.
OPEN QUESTION
Can U.S. solar hold its lead over coal?
The May crossover happened despite federal policy pressure favoring coal, so the durability of the shift will be tested by summer demand and new policy moves.