@ green | March-April. 2026

Concerns over fossil fuel supply disruptions, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz amid tensions involving Iran, have prompted European countries to reduce reliance on imported gas. Solar energy is playing a central role in that transition. According to SolarPower Europe, solar has saved the region more than US $ 110 million per day since March 1, cutting gas demand and delivering roughly US $ 3.3 billion in monthly savings. If gas prices remain elevated, solar could save Europe up to US $ 74 billion in 2026.

Rising household energy bills are also driving demand for clean technologies such as heat pumps, electric vehicles and solar systems. Plug-in solar— compact systems that connect directly to standard sockets— has emerged as a practical solution for renters and those without rooftop access. These systems typically pay for themselves within two to six years.

Germany leads adoption, with more than one million units installed between 2022 and 2025. Growth has been supported by incentives including feed-in tariffs and VAT exemptions,

A high-level CEO roundtable convened by the United Nations Global Compact in Beijing has urged stronger crosssector collaboration to accelerate a just and inclusive global energy transition, warning that institutional and financial barriers are now the main constraints.

Held during a visit by UN Assistant Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Climate Action and Just Transition Selwin Hart, the meeting brought together leaders from across the energy value chain, including power, transport, renewables, storage, hydrogen and industrial supply chains.

Hart said the energy crisis has exposed the risks of fossil fuel dependence, describing clean energy as“ cheaper, scalable and homegrown”. UN Resident Coordinator in China Stephen Jackson emphasised that a just transition must remain central, calling for deeper cooperation across sectors and borders.

Participants agreed the transition

BALCONY POWER: Compact plug-in solar systems mounted on balconies and terraces are gaining popularity across Europe, particularly among urban residents without access to rooftop installations.

alongside simplified installation rules. Falling prices have further boosted uptake, with entry-level systems costing about US $ 220.

Elsewhere in Europe, adoption has been slower due to safety concerns around older electrical infrastructure, though uptake is increasing. Plug-in solar is now legal in most EU countries except Sweden and Hungary.

In Spain, Tornasol Energy installed

UNIFIED ACTION: Industry and UN representatives call for stronger international cooperation to overcome financial and structural barriers in the energy transition.

has reached a critical point, with uneven deployment driven by high capital costs in developing markets, infrastructure gaps and fragmented supply chains. China’ s growing influence, as the world’ s largest renewable energy system and a key manufacturing hub, was highlighted.

Business leaders cited progress in systems in over 1,300 homes in 2025, while the UK is expanding access through retail distribution. UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasised that clean power is critical for energy security.

Analysis by Carbon Brief estimates plug-in solar could save a typical UK household about US $ 1,390 over 15 years, highlighting its growing role in Europe’ s energy transition.

integrated systems and clean technology deployment but stressed that stable policies, coordinated investment and integrated planning are essential. Financing remains a major hurdle, with calls for expanded blended finance and stronger international support to unlock private capital and sustain equitable growth.

A reported standoff between BYD and Malaysia’ s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry( MITI) has cast uncertainty over a planned RM1.3 billion EV assembly plant in Tanjung Malim, Perak, raising questions about conditions for foreign investment in Southeast Asia’ s automotive sector.

The facility, slated to begin operations in the second half of 2026, was expected to anchor development at KLK Tech Park and strengthen BYD’ s regional manufacturing footprint. However, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Johari Abdul Ghani said the company could not agree to key conditions, including exporting at least 80 % of locally assembled vehicles. The remaining 20 % would face pricing requirements reportedly above RM200,000.

MITI rejected claims of protectionism, clarifying that the minimum pricing threshold is RM100,000 and that policies are designed to promote highervalue production, technology transfer and local job creation while protecting domestic players such as Proton and Perodua.

BYD, which has highlighted Malaysia as part of its Southeast Asian strategy, has not confirmed whether it is reassessing the investment. Analysts say stricter localisation and export requirements could reshape foreign EV projects, reflecting a broader balancing act between attracting investment and safeguarding domestic industry. – @ green

MARKET FRICTION: Malaysia’ s push to position itself as a regional EV hub faces scrutiny as conditions on BYD’ s local assembly plans raise questions over investment appeal.