AI & Grids: Google says its AI buildout is accelerating faster than grid decarbonization, with electricity demand up 37% in 2025—raising pressure on transmission and dispatchable power. EU Renewables Snapshot: Eurostat reports EU renewables hit 45.5% of electricity generation in Q1 2026 (wind 44.9% of renewables; hydropower 28%; solar 17.3%). Germany Power Mix: Renewables reached a record 58% of Germany’s electricity consumption in H1 2026 as solar and wind surged, even as hydropower fell on lower rainfall. Data Centers & Power Politics: UK developers face hurdles for behind-the-meter solar for data centers; in the US, a county is drafting rules for data center permitting and infrastructure needs. Coal vs Targets: Turkey’s Çanakkale Çanakkale coal plant is seeking to expand by 1,050 MW despite zero-coal goals. Storage Momentum (India): ACME commissioned a 240.72 MWh Rajasthan BESS; Ayana won a 193 MW wind contract in Madhya Pradesh. Solar Deals (India): Coal India secured a 600 MW solar contract in UP at ₹2.73/kWh. Solar Waste Rules (India): India is moving toward mandatory solar module recycling by 2029-30. Water Stress Watch: IMD warns July rainfall will be below normal under strengthening El Niño, threatening crops, water, and hydropower. Oman Energy Transition: EDF-led consortium plans 2,000 MW pumped hydro storage plus a 500 MW solar IPP. Hydropower Flashpoint (Myanmar): Myanmar’s government aims to restart the $3.6B Myitsone dam within about eight years. Africa Tariff Reality: A new analysis argues African electricity tariffs hinge on whether customers pay for efficient power or for losses, debt, and weak planning.