What’s the most important innovation behind the rise of renewable energy: Taller wind turbines? Smart power grids? Spray-on solar cells? None of the above. For all the advances made by engineers that cut the cost of solar modules and new wind generation by more than half in five years, the true heroes of the renewables revolution may be a group …

There’s a hard truth to understand for the many Catalans who intend to vote for independence on October 1: Regardless of the legality of their vote, its result can only stand if they are ready to fight for it — and if they can win in a violent conflict. As things stand before the independence referendum, Catalonia and Spain are …

Bloomberg Australia’s four largest banks have scrapped cash withdrawal charges for all users, as the banking industry tries to salvage its reputation after a series of scandals. Commonwealth Bank of Australia, the nation’s biggest lender, said on Sunday it would immediately remove the A$2 ($1.60) fee for all users of its 3,400 branded automated teller machines across the country. Westpac …