Clean energy tech in 2025: A year of global breakthroughs

The past year has been a whirlwind for clean energy tech, with groundbreaking innovations, ambitious projects, and (of course) a few bumps along the road. From green hydrogen scaling up to AI-powered grids and floating solar farms, we’re looking at the most exciting developments shaping our low-carbon future.

Progress and pitfalls in wind and solar power 

On a positive note, the UK has made significant strides in solar energy, with the nation on track to meet its 2030 target of 47–50 GW. 

But offshore wind is facing challenges. According to BloombergNEF, the UK is projected to fall short of its 2030 offshore wind target, achieving only 33 GW instead of the planned 43 GW. Supply chain issues and increased costs have led to delays and cancellations of major projects (like Hornsea 4 and Berwick Bank).

Over in New South Wales (NSW) in Australia, the picture is brighter – with a renewable energy boom. The state has established five Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) and committed to over 11 GW of new renewable capacity and 2.2 GW of long-duration storage in the past six months.

Energy storage moves beyond lithium-ion 

Long-duration energy storage is emerging as a critical solution for the intermittency challenges of renewable energy. Innovations include iron-air batteries capable of discharging 85 MW of power for up to 100 hours – a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to lithium-ion batteries.

Green hydrogen is scaling up

Green hydrogen is gaining traction as a clean fuel for hard-to-electrify sectors, including heavy industry and long-haul transportation. Between 2020 and 2024, green hydrogen projects reached 434 final investment decisions, with investments growing from $10 billion to $75 billion.

When we asked Tan Wooi Leong (Managing Director, Energy and Industrial at Surbana Jurong) about the emerging technologies he thinks will make decarbonisation more accessible in infrastructure and urban development, he said:

“We have invested into R&D with global renown industry partners and institutions to develop carbon capture technologies using polymeric membranes, low carbon concrete using marine clay, ammonia cracking catalysts development, green hydrogen hybrid electrolysis methods, and many more new areas.”

AI and smart grids are becoming the digital backbone of energy infrastructure 

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how renewable energy systems operate. AI-powered energy systems have gone mainstream, and now enable real-time balancing of supply and demand across national grids. Countries like Germany, South Korea, and the US have deployed AI-enhanced grids – they can handle high percentages of renewable energy input, reduce blackouts, and enhance overall efficiency. 

A global perspective on urban sustainability 

Urban infrastructure is increasingly focused on sustainable practices, and leveraging tech to scale those practices across cities. For example, Surbana Jurong has priced a S$250 million sustainability-linked bond due 2031, under its US$1 billion multicurrency debt issuance programme. This bond is notable for being the first public sustainability-linked bond issuance from a Southeast Asian-based company, the first Singapore dollar-denominated sustainability-linked bond, and the first Asian sustainability-linked bond to feature a premium step-up.

Wooi Leong emphasises the company's commitment: “Regardless of the size of the company, I truly believe that it's more the commitment than the scale of the business that will drive sustainability and decarbonisation.”

Pioneering clean energy initiatives in the Middle East 

The Middle East region is making major strides in renewables. Projects include: 

• Sudair Solar PV Project: Located in Saudi Arabia’s Sudair Industrial City, this 1.5 GW solar photovoltaic power plant is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. Once fully operational, it will supply power to approximately 185,000 households and offset an estimated 2.9 million tons of CO₂ emissions annually.
• NEOM Green Hydrogen Project: A collaboration between NEOM, ACWA Power, and Air Products, this $8.4 billion project aims to produce 600 tons of green hydrogen daily by 2026, powered by 4 GW of solar and wind energy.
• Dumat Al Jandal Wind Power Plant: As the largest wind energy project in the Middle East, this 400 MW wind farm in Al Jouf province is expected to power around 70,000 homes and reduce carbon emissions by approximately one million tonnes per year.
• Electric Vehicle Initiatives: Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in electric vehicles. The Kingdom is building a manufacturing hub in King Abdullah Economic City, aiming to produce 150,000 vehicles by 2026 and reach half a million by 2030. Companies like Lucid Group and Ceer are leading these efforts.

Emerging tech: From electric bacteria to fusion development  

In a groundbreaking (and mind blowing) study, scientists from Rice University have discovered a remarkable type of bacteria capable of surviving without oxygen by ‘breathing’ electricity. 

These microorganisms generate energy by transferring electrons outside their cells. And this holds the potential for applications in clean energy, biotech, and environmental monitoring.

And in fusion development, the UK's Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) project aims to produce net electricity from fusion by 2040. The reactor is planned to have a 100 MW electrical output and be tritium self-sufficient via fuel breeding.

Creating clean energy together 

We’re seeing significant advancements in clean energy this year, with collaborative research and development creating new possibilities for the future. It’s that collaboration that will enable us to develop scalable, global shifts in energy generation and use. 

As Tan Wooi Leong put it, “All hands must clap together in order to see more significant progress.” The convergence of technology, policy, and public engagement is essential to drive the transition towards a sustainable and resilient energy future.

Do you want to explore the latest developments in clean energy? Register now to attend LEAP 2026. You’ll be in the room with the world’s most innovative energy tech leaders, and help shape our future on Earth.