Google has signed a long-term offshore wind power deal in Germany as it expands artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure across Europe. The agreement is a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with German utility EnBW. It covers 100 megawatts (MW) of electricity from the He Dreiht offshore wind farm in the North Sea.

The deal links Google’s growing electricity demand directly to new renewable generation. It also reflects a wider shift among large technology firms toward long-term clean power contracts tied to specific projects.

Adam Elman, Director of Sustainability EMEA at Google, remarked:

“Meeting the demand for AI infrastructure requires direct investment in the energy systems that make this technology possible. By contracting for new wind power from EnBW, we are bringing more clean energy online in Germany to power our operations, while accelerating the broader transition to a more sustainable electricity grid.”

AI Is Turning Electricity Into a Strategic Asset

According to EnBW, the He Dreiht wind farm will have a total capacity of 960 MW. It will use 64 offshore wind turbines and is expected to connect to the grid by spring 2026. The site is located around 90 kilometers northwest of Borkum and 110 kilometers west of Helgoland.

For Google, the agreement supports its goal of operating on 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030. This means matching electricity use with carbon-free power every hour of the day, not just on an annual basis.

Google’s power demand is rising quickly. The main driver is artificial intelligence. AI systems need large amounts of computing power, which in turn requires large amounts of electricity.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that data centers used about 415 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity in 2024. That equals around 1.5% of global electricity demand. The IEA also notes that data center demand has grown at a double-digit annual rate in recent years. The same trend is forecasted by an industry report, as shown below.

Germany plays a key role in Google’s European expansion. In late 2025, Google announced plans to invest €5.5 billion in the country between 2026 and 2029. The investment includes a new data center in Dietzenbach, near Frankfurt, and continued development of its Hanau data center campus, which opened in 2023.

Data centers need reliable power around the clock. They also face rising pressure from governments, investors, and customers to reduce emissions. Long-term renewable PPAs help companies manage both issues.

• MUST READ: Environmental Groups Urge U.S. Congress to Pause Data Center Growth as Federal AI Rule Looms

By signing a 15-year contract, Google gains price certainty and supply stability. At the same time, the contract helps EnBW finance a large offshore wind project that adds new clean electricity to Germany’s grid.

A Flagship Wind Farm in the North Sea

Germany already has one of Europe’s largest offshore wind fleets. By the end of 2024, the country had 31 offshore wind farms fully in operation. Installed offshore wind capacity reached about 9.2 gigawatts (GW) in total. Around 7.4 GW sits in the North Sea, while about 1.8 GW is in the Baltic Sea.

He Dreiht is one of the largest offshore wind projects currently under construction in Germany. With 960 MW of capacity, it will add a meaningful share to the national total once it comes online.

The project also reflects a broader trend toward larger offshore turbines. According to industry data, offshore turbines commissioned in Germany in 2024 had an average capacity of 10.2 MW. The first 11 MW turbine entered operation that year, and 15 MW turbines are expected to appear in German waters starting in 2025.

Larger turbines can generate more electricity with fewer units. This can reduce seabed disturbance and installation time. However, it also requires stronger foundations, larger vessels, and more robust grid connections.

For EnBW, He Dreiht is a flagship project. The utility has already signed multiple PPAs for the wind farm with corporate buyers. This shows how offshore wind developers are increasingly relying on long-term corporate demand alongside traditional utility customers.

Why Corporates Are Becoming Power Buyers

Power purchase agreements play a growing role in clean energy finance. A PPA is a contract where a buyer agrees to purchase electricity from a specific project at agreed terms over many years.

For developers, PPAs reduce financial risk. They help secure loans and attract investors by offering predictable revenue. For buyers, PPAs provide access to clean power without owning generation assets.

This model is becoming more common as electricity demand rises and clean energy targets tighten. The IEA reports that global energy investment exceeded $3 trillion in 2024 for the first time. Around $2 trillion of that went into clean energy technologies and infrastructure, including renewables, grids, and storage.

Europe is a key market in this shift. Offshore wind plays a major role because it can produce large volumes of electricity close to industrial and urban centers. Germany plans to keep expanding offshore wind as part of its long-term energy strategy. It plans to expand grid-connected offshore wind power capacity to at least 30 gigawatts by 2030, 40 gigawatts by 2035, and 70 gigawatts by 2045.

Corporate PPAs like Google’s agreement with EnBW help speed up this build-out. They send clear demand signals to developers and help reduce reliance on government subsidies.

From Annual Offsets to 24/7 Clean Power

Google’s long-term climate strategy goes beyond buying renewable energy certificates. The company aims to operate on 24/7 carbon-free energy in every region where it runs data centers and offices.

This approach focuses on real-time matching. It encourages a new, clean generation in the same places where electricity is used. Offshore wind PPAs fit well into this strategy in coastal countries like Germany.

Still, a 100 MW contract covers only part of Google’s total electricity needs. Large data centers can consume hundreds of megawatts on their own. As AI workloads grow, total demand could rise further.

That means Google will likely need a mix of solutions. These may include additional wind and solar PPAs, energy storage, grid upgrades, and partnerships with utilities and governments.

SEE MORE on Google:

• Google Rides the Wind: First Offshore Wind Deal in Asia Pacific For 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy
• Google Powers U.S. Data Centers with 1.2 GW of Carbon-Free Energy from Clearway

Google’s clean energy buying reached a new scale in 2024, as rising AI and digital demand pushed electricity use higher. The company signed contracts for over 8 gigawatts (GW) of new clean energy this year. This is its largest annual procurement ever and double the amount from 2023.

Since 2010, Google has secured over 22 GW of clean energy through more than 170 agreements. This amount is about the same as Portugal’s total renewable power output in 2024. More than 25 projects came online in 2024 alone, adding 2.5 GW of new generation.

Despite a 27% rise in electricity use, Google cut data center energy emissions by 12%. This shows how clean energy purchases support its goal to run on 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030.

The EnBW agreement shows one way forward. It ties new AI infrastructure directly to new renewable supply. It also spreads investment risk between a technology company and a utility.

Big Tech Is Reshaping How Power Gets Built

Google’s 15-year offshore wind deal highlights a broader shift in how clean energy projects are financed and used. Large corporate buyers are no longer just passive consumers of electricity. They are becoming active players in energy markets.

For Germany, the deal supports offshore wind expansion at a time when power demand is rising from electrification, industry, and digital services. For EnBW, it provides long-term revenue certainty, and for Google, it helps align AI growth with climate goals.

The next phase will test execution, but the direction is clear. As AI drives electricity demand higher, long-term renewable contracts are becoming a central part of energy planning. Google’s offshore wind agreement in Germany is one of the clearest examples of how these trends are coming together.

• READ MORE: AI Demand to Drive $600B From the Big Five for GPU and Data Center Boom by 2026

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Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD is accelerating its global expansion, especially in Europe and Canada. In contrast, Tesla is losing ground across key markets. New sales data, policy shifts, and geopolitical deals suggest a major shift in the EV landscape.

This trend matters not just for automakers. It also impacts battery metals, supply chains, carbon markets, and the future of clean mobility.

BYD’s Germany Boom Marks Europe’s EV Shake-Up

BYD recorded a dramatic surge in German sales in January 2026. Bloomberg highlighted data from Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) showing that BYD’s registrations jumped more than 10-fold from January 2025. The company sold only 235 vehicles in Germany last year, but recent data suggests sales likely exceeded 2,500 units.

Meanwhile, Tesla struggled. BYD more than doubled Tesla’s registrations in Germany during the same month.

Overall, car sales in Germany declined 6.6% to 193,981 vehicles in January. However, electric cars still accounted for 22% of new registrations, highlighting strong demand for EVs despite a weak auto market. This surge shows that BYD’s low-cost models and expanding lineup are gaining traction in Europe’s largest automotive market.

Significantly, the German numbers reflect a broader European trend. Throughout 2025, BYD recorded more than 200% year-on-year growth in many months. In December 2025 alone, its European registrations reached 27,678 units—up nearly 230%.

Breakthrough in Spain

Spain emerged as another key battleground. BYD dominated the Spanish EV and plug-in hybrid market in January 2026.

• The company registered 1,962 vehicles, a 64.6% year-on-year increase. It captured a 13.6% market share, leading both fully electric and plug-in hybrid segments.
• Fully electric sales rose nearly 30% to 1,039 units, putting BYD ahead of Kia and Mercedes-Benz. Tesla ranked fourth, with only 458 fully electric vehicles sold.

Spain’s performance highlights BYD’s strategy of combining affordable EVs with hybrids to capture diverse buyers.

Notably, BYD also sold 1,326 battery-electric vehicles in the UK, marking a nearly 21% increase from the previous year.

• MUST READ: BYD Overtakes Tesla as World’s Biggest EV Seller in 2025 

Tesla’s European Sales Collapse Deepens

Tesla, on the other hand, saw sales decline every month in Europe during 2025. The trend continued into 2026. Its struggles were especially visible in Northern and Western Europe.

In five major European markets, Tesla’s registrations fell 44% year-over-year in January. This marked the third consecutive year of shrinking sales across the region.

• Norway: Registrations collapsed by 88%, with only 83 vehicles sold.
• Netherlands: Sales dropped 67%.
• France: Registrations fell 42% to 661 vehicles, the lowest in over three years.
• United Kingdom: Sales plunged more than 57% to just 647 vehicles.

Policy changes played a role. Norway reduced EV tax incentives starting January 1, which hurt Tesla demand. However, the scale of the decline surprised analysts.

Even in Sweden and Denmark, where Tesla saw sales rise by 26% and 3%, the total number of cars sold remains low. These minor gains do little to offset the sharp decline compared with two years ago.

Analysts believe that one key issue is Tesla’s aging lineup. The Model Y, once a top seller, is now over four years old, and buyers are looking for newer options. Although Tesla launched more affordable “Standard” versions of the Model Y and Model 3, these updates have not been enough to reverse the downward trend.

In the current scenario, Tesla is not only losing ground to Chinese brands. European automakers are also regaining market share. Volkswagen overtook Tesla in 2025 to become Europe’s top-selling EV brand. It sold around 274,000 units, compared to Tesla’s 235,000.

This shows Europe’s EV market is becoming more competitive, with local manufacturers and Chinese brands challenging Tesla’s early dominance.

Canada Opens the Door to Chinese EVs

Europe is not the only region where BYD is gaining ground. Prime Minister Mark Carney signed a landmark trade agreement with China on January 16, 2026. This deal allows Chinese-made EVs to enter the market at low tariffs.

• So Canada will allow up to 49,000 Chinese EVs annually at a tariff rate of 6.1%. This marks a sharp reversal from the 100% tariff imposed in October 2024.

Also, the quota could rise to about 70,000 vehicles within five years. By 2030, at least half of imported Chinese EVs must be priced below CAD 35,000. In exchange, China agreed to reduce tariffs on Canadian canola seed, improving agricultural trade relations.

PM Carney said,

“At its best, the Canada-China relationship has created massive opportunities for both our peoples. By leveraging our strengths and focusing on trade, energy, agri-food, and areas where we can make huge gains, we are forging a new strategic partnership that builds on the best of our past, reflects the world as it is today, and benefits the people of both our nations.” 

BYD Gains a Regulatory Edge in Canada

BYD holds a unique advantage in Canada. Its manufacturing facilities in Shenzhen and Xi’an are already approved for Canadian imports. This pre-clearance gives BYD a head start over rivals like NIO, XPeng, and Li Auto. However, other Chinese brands must wait for regulatory approvals or rely on slower case-by-case processes.

BYD also operates an electric bus assembly plant in Ontario, strengthening its local presence. Furthermore, affordable models like the Seagull and Dolphin, priced between $20,000 and $30,000, could qualify under Canada’s affordability requirements.

Political Backlash and U.S. Concerns

The Canada-China EV deal triggered political controversy. Ontario Premier Doug Ford initially urged Canadians to boycott Chinese EVs, warning the agreement could hurt domestic manufacturing.

Labor unions and automakers also expressed concern. They fear the deal could weaken North America’s automotive industry and strain U.S.-Canada trade relations.

As per reports, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on Canadian goods if the deal moves forward, calling it a “disaster.” However, Canadian officials argue the agreement aligns with USMCA rules and will expand the EV market.

Analysts estimate Chinese EVs could capture around 23% of Canada’s EV sales in the first year, saving consumers about CAD 6,700 per vehicle.

Stock Market Snapshot: BYDDY vs TSLA

BYD’s (BYDDY) stock trades around $11.28 per share, with a market cap of roughly $102 billion. The stock is near the lower end of its 52-week range, reflecting margin pressures and geopolitical risks.

Tesla’s (TSLA) stock trades near $406 per share, with a market cap of about $1.35 trillion. Analysts expect a volatile 2026, with forecasts ranging widely depending on EV demand and margins.

Despite Tesla’s valuation premium, BYD’s rapid sales growth is reshaping investor sentiment.

The Bigger Picture: A Global EV Power Shift

BYD’s rapid rise shows how the EV industry is changing. Chinese automakers are using scale, government support, and efficient production to challenge Western rivals. At the same time, Tesla remains strong in technology, software, and brand recognition. Yet, price competition and shifting policies are reshaping the market.

In Europe, declining subsidies, along with Canada’s new trade rules and ongoing geopolitical tensions, are affecting EV adoption and corporate strategies. As BYD gains ground in Germany, Europe, and Canada, it signals a turning point in the global EV race. Tesla’s falling sales highlight the increasing pressure from both Chinese and European competitors.

For investors, policymakers, and climate advocates, these trends matter. They will influence battery supply chains, emissions targets, and the demand for carbon credits. The EV transition is no longer led by a single company—today, it has become a global contest for scale, affordability, and sustainable leadership.

• LATEST: Tesla Reports First-Ever Annual Revenue Drop in 2025, Carbon Credit Sales Also Dip 28%

The post How BYD’s European Surge and Canada Deal Are Challenging Tesla’s EV Dominance appeared first on Carbon Credits.

The United States is moving fast to rebuild its nuclear fuel supply chain, revive dormant facilities, and accelerate next-generation nuclear technologies. These efforts come as electricity demand surges from artificial intelligence (AI), data centers, and industrial electrification.

Recent announcements from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) show a coordinated push to strengthen uranium enrichment, revive legacy nuclear infrastructure, and deepen international collaboration on fusion power. Together, these developments highlight how nuclear energy is becoming central to U.S. energy security, economic competitiveness, and climate goals.

Hanford’s FMEF Gets a Second Life in the Nuclear Fuel Cycle

The DOE Office of Environmental Management announced a new partnership with American nuclear fuel company General Matter to explore the reuse of the Fuels and Materials Examination Facility (FMEF) at the Hanford Site in Washington State.

FMEF is a 190,000-square-foot facility originally built to support the Liquid Fast Breeder Reactor Program. However, it never operated in a nuclear role and has been idle since 1993 under surveillance and maintenance status.

Under the new lease, General Matter will evaluate the facility for potential upgrades, conduct site characterization, and engage local communities and stakeholders. The goal is to determine whether the facility can be returned to service for advanced nuclear fuel cycle technologies and materials research.

Reviving FMEF could help the U.S. rebuild critical infrastructure that was lost after decades of underinvestment in nuclear fuel production. It also fits into the Trump administration’s broader agenda to expand domestic energy production and reduce reliance on foreign nuclear fuel services.

General Matter CEO Scott Nolan said:

“Rebuilding America’s nuclear fuel capabilities is critical to strengthening our nuclear industrial base, reducing our reliance on foreign providers and lowering energy costs for utilities and consumers. We thank our partners in Hanford and the Department of Energy for supporting us in the development of a stronger, more secure nuclear fuel supply chain built here in the United States.”

General Matter’s Role in Rebuilding U.S. Uranium Enrichment

The Hanford project complements General Matter’s plans to develop a uranium enrichment facility at the former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Kentucky. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with enrichment operations targeted before the end of the decade.

This privately funded facility aims to supply fuel for commercial nuclear reactors, national security reactors, and research institutions. It is part of a broader effort to restore U.S. uranium enrichment capacity, which has declined sharply over the past few decades.

As part of the lease agreement, General Matter will receive at least 7,600 cylinders of uranium hexafluoride (UF6). Reprocessing this material could save U.S. taxpayers about $800 million in avoided disposal costs while providing a reliable domestic feedstock for reenrichment.

General Matter was also selected in October 2024 as one of four companies to provide enrichment services for establishing a U.S. supply of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU). HALEU is a key fuel for advanced reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs), which are expected to play a major role in future power systems.

• READ MORE: General Fusion’s Nasdaq Listing Pushes Fusion Energy Into the Market Spotlight 

U.S.–Japan Fusion Partnership Marks a New Era of Cooperation

In another major development, the DOE and Kyoto Fusioneering (KF) announced a landmark partnership to advance fusion power technology and reduce commercialization risks.

The collaboration centers on breeding blanket systems, which produce tritium fuel needed for fusion reactors. A key project is UNITY-3, a next-generation fusion testing facility planned at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). This facility will validate breeding blanket performance using realistic neutron environments and component designs.

The partnership also includes Idaho National Laboratory and Savannah River National Laboratory. Together, they will leverage KF’s UNITY-1 and UNITY-2 facilities in Japan and Canada to test thermal systems, tritium fuel cycles, and non-nuclear components.

This coordinated approach aims to systematically increase technology readiness levels and accelerate the path toward commercial fusion power. The initiative has already gained strong industry support, with multiple U.S. fusion companies endorsing the program.

DOE officials described fusion as a transformational opportunity for the energy sector and a critical pillar for long-term competitiveness. The partnership also strengthens U.S.–Japan strategic ties in clean energy and advanced technology.

AI, Data Centers, and Electrification Drive Nuclear Demand

Rising electricity demand is a key driver behind the renewed interest in nuclear power. AI workloads, cloud computing, electric vehicles, and industrial electrification are pushing power consumption to record levels.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), total U.S. electricity consumption is expected to increase from 4,198 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) in 2025 to about 4,256 billion kWh in 2026. This steady growth reflects expanding data centers, manufacturing, and population-driven demand.

Nuclear power remains a critical source of reliable baseload electricity. EIA forecasts that nuclear generation will remain stable through 2026, accounting for roughly 18% to 19% of total U.S. electricity generation. While renewables such as solar and wind are growing rapidly, nuclear continues to provide round-the-clock power that complements intermittent clean energy sources.

This reliability is especially important for AI data centers, which require constant power and cannot rely solely on variable renewable generation.

Uranium Production and Fuel Cycle Challenges

Despite strong policy support, the U.S. nuclear fuel sector faces significant challenges. Domestic uranium production has been volatile, highlighting the difficulty of rebuilding a mining industry after decades of decline.

EIA highlighted that, in the third quarter of 2025, U.S. uranium concentrate production totaled 329,623 pounds of U3O8, a 44% decline from the previous quarter. This drop underscores the need for sustained investment and policy support to stabilize domestic supply.

Beyond mining, the U.S. must also expand conversion, enrichment, and fuel fabrication capacity. Much of the global enrichment market is dominated by foreign suppliers, including Russia, Europe, and China. Rebuilding domestic capabilities will require large capital investments and regulatory approvals.

Trump Targets Massive Nuclear Expansion

U.S. policy is increasingly aligned with nuclear expansion. The United States currently operates 96 nuclear reactors with a total gross capacity of about 102 gigawatts, according to the World Nuclear Association.

In May 2025, President Donald Trump signed executive orders targeting 400 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2050. The policy includes uprates at existing reactors, construction of new large reactors by 2030, and major investments in fuel cycle infrastructure.

The strategy also emphasizes domestic supply chains for uranium mining, enrichment, fuel fabrication, and waste management. Building these supply chains is seen as critical for energy security, especially as geopolitical tensions affect global uranium and enrichment markets.

Analysts expect SMRs and advanced reactors to play a growing role, particularly for industrial facilities, hydrogen production, and large data centers seeking long-term power contracts.

Fusion and Advanced Reactors: Long-Term Game Changers

While traditional nuclear reactors are expanding, fusion and advanced fission technologies represent the long-term future of the sector.

Fusion promises abundant, low-waste energy, but it remains technologically complex and expensive. The DOE-Kyoto Fusioneering partnership aims to close key technology gaps and accelerate commercialization timelines.

Advanced fission reactors, including fast reactors and SMRs, are closer to deployment. These designs offer improved safety, lower costs, and flexibility for industrial applications. They also require new fuel types such as HALEU, reinforcing the importance of domestic enrichment capacity.

Why This Matters for US Nuclear Infrastructure

The U.S. push to revive nuclear infrastructure, expand enrichment, and accelerate fusion reflects a strategic shift in energy policy. Nuclear power is becoming a cornerstone of the digital economy and clean energy transition.

For investors, these developments could reshape uranium markets, nuclear technology companies, and infrastructure spending. Rising electricity demand from AI and electrification could support long-term growth in nuclear capacity, even as renewables continue to scale.

With AI, data centers, and electrification driving record electricity demand, nuclear power is emerging as a strategic asset for reliable, low-carbon energy. Policy support is strong, but rebuilding the full nuclear fuel cycle will require sustained investment, regulatory reform, and public acceptance.

In conclusion, the DOE’s recent partnerships with General Matter and Kyoto Fusioneering highlight a coordinated effort to rebuild the U.S. nuclear ecosystem—from mining and enrichment to advanced reactors and fusion research.

• FURTHER READING: DOE’s $2.7 Billion Push for Uranium Enrichment Rebuilds U.S. Energy Security 

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