Brazilian renewable energy model expands access to millions

Brazil has made significant progress in renewable energy, particularly through distributed generation, which enables access to clean energy without heavy investment in personal equipment, reducing electricity costs and promoting energy inclusion. Europe's energy landscape has shifted dramatically due to geopolitical tensions, notably the war in Ukraine, exposing vulnerabilities in energy security and driving up prices; this forces countries to balance energy security, sustainability, and affordability, with clean energy seen as the optimal long-term solution. In New South Wales, Australia, rural and regional communities are voicing concerns about feeling excluded in the rollout of renewable projects, prompting calls for more transparent and inclusive planning processes to better address local needs. Uruguay exemplifies a successful renewable transition, having built a power grid almost entirely on renewables at half the cost of fossil fuels, demonstrating that with the right economic incentives, clean energy can be more affordable, stable, and job-creating than traditional energy sources. These diverse cases highlight the global challenges and opportunities in advancing renewable energy while ensuring equitable access, economic viability, and energy security.