Climate Change Solutions Update

Author: Cleantechnica

  • More US States Are Promoting Balcony Solar

    Balcony solar is a concept that allows apartment dwellers to generate their own electricity by hanging solar panels on their balcony railings, democratizing the energy supply and reducing utility bills. States like Utah, New York, and Pennsylvania are passing legislation to allow for the installation of balcony solar systems, seen as a game changer for renters and low-income individuals. Despite some utility companies' hesitancy due to grid issues and threats to their business model, the growing interest in balcony solar systems at the state level is a response to federal negativity towards clean energy. Legislation exempting balcony solar systems from interconnection agreements with utility companies, along with a typical break-even point of around 3 years, is expected to make balcony solar more accessible in the future.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/01/more-us-states-are-promoting-balcony-solar/

  • Ethio Telecom Expands Its EV Charging Network with the Launch of a Third Super-Fast Smart Station in Addis Ababa

    Ethiopia has made significant strides in promoting electric vehicles by restricting the import of internal combustion engine vehicles and investing in electric vehicle infrastructure. The country has seen a surge in electric vehicle registrations, with over 60% of new vehicle registrations being electric in 2024. Ethiopia's energy mix is already over 90% sourced from renewables, with projects like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam contributing clean electricity. Ethio Telecom has launched electric vehicle charging hubs with ultra-fast and super-fast chargers to support the growing electric vehicle ecosystem in the country. This transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy not only helps reduce emissions and improve air quality but also frees up scarce foreign currency resources by substituting imported fossil fuels with locally generated clean electricity, showcasing that electrification is not just happening in Europe but also in countries heavily dependent on fossil fuel imports like Ethiopia.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/01/ethio-telecom-expands-its-ev-charging-network-with-the-launch-of-a-third-super-fast-smart-station-in-addis-ababa/

  • Another EV Charging Hub Running On Renewable Energy Launches In California

    Terawatt Infrastructure has launched a new fleet charging hub in Rialto, California, with 18 fast chargers for fleet vehicles powered by 100% renewable energy. The hub includes amenities like a driver lounge, license plate recognition for seamless entry, and 24/7 security, part of Terawatt's vision to create a connected, electrified network for EV fleets. Solar power canopies at the hub generate electricity, provide shade, and protect vehicles from precipitation, contributing to emissions reduction. The installation of new EV chargers not only benefits the environment by reducing harmful air pollution but also creates jobs in the EV industry, with Southern California employing 119,200 workers in the sector.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/30/another-ev-charging-hub-running-on-renewable-energy-launches-in-california/

  • The Strange Time Compression of Sodium-Ion Battery Development

    Chinese battery companies CATL and BYD, along with smaller company Beijing HiNa, are leading the global EV battery market with a focus on LFP, NMC, and sodium-ion batteries. HiNa's sodium-ion batteries have made waves in the industry, with BYD and CATL also investing in sodium-ion technology. While sodium-ion batteries have lower energy density compared to lithium competitors, they offer superior energy retention at cold temperatures. The expectation is that sodium-ion batteries may start to replace LFP batteries in the future. The advancement of SIB technology is putting pressure on traditional battery companies, such as those in Korea, to adopt the new technology or risk losing market share. The progression of battery chemistry advancements is similar to what has been seen in the evolution of EV batteries, with newer, lower-cost options replacing older technologies as they meet performance requirements.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/30/the-strange-time-compression-of-sodium-ion-battery-development/

  • The Coming Slow Fade of America’s Corn Ethanol Industry

    The United States corn ethanol industry is facing challenges as gasoline demand decreases due to efficiency gains, hybrid vehicles, and EV adoption. Ethanol demand is shrinking within the declining gasoline market, with higher blend rates not able to compensate for the base decline. California and New York are leading the way in transitioning to electric vehicles, while the aviation industry is projected to see a shift in fuel demand towards batteries and biofuels. Global shipping is moving towards electrification and alternative fuels, with a decline in demand for fossil fuels. The US corn ethanol sector is expected to decline by 20% to 50% in the next twenty years due to the growth of electric vehicles and the need for producers to diversify.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/29/the-coming-slow-fade-of-americas-corn-ethanol-industry/

  • What Falling Sales? BEVs Jump 34% YoY in October in Europe!

    In October, the European electric vehicle market saw significant shifts in rankings, with the Skoda Elroq and Renault 5/Alpine A290 twins climbing to the top spots. The competition for podium positions remains tight, with predictions favoring Renault, BYD, and Tesla. Brand value is crucial in the EV era, with SAIC showing strong growth while Porsche experienced a decline. Volkswagen leads in the plugin auto brand ranking, with BYD and Skoda rising in the rankings. Stellantis, Hyundai-Kia, and Geely maintained their positions in the global automaker rankings, with Geely potentially surpassing Hyundai-Kia by the end of the year.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/29/what-falling-sales-bevs-jump-34-yoy-in-october-in-europe/

  • Hyundai Motor Group Drives Next-Generation Battery Innovation with Future Mobility Battery Campus

    Hyundai Motor Group is investing KRW 1.2 trillion to establish a comprehensive battery research and development hub in Anseong, Korea by the end of 2026. The Future Mobility Battery Campus aims to internalize core battery technologies, optimize EV performance, and enable seamless vehicle integration. The campus will focus on validating breakthrough technologies and developing high-performance batteries for next-generation EVs, with a goal to strengthen their EV battery competitiveness and advance global electrification through strategic collaborations. By focusing on developing next-generation battery technologies and enhancing industry collaboration, Hyundai aims to scale new technologies with confidence, reduce development risks, and unlock opportunities for innovation in the global electrification ecosystem, fostering a battery industry ecosystem and attracting related businesses for sustainable economic development.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/28/hyundai-motor-group-drives-next-generation-battery-innovation-with-future-mobility-battery-campus/

  • Hyundai Motor Group Expands EV Energy Services with Vehicle to Grid and Vehicle to Home

    Hyundai Motor and Kia are expanding Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) services, including Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) services, in various regions such as Korea, Europe, and the U.S. These initiatives aim to turn electric vehicles (EVs) into essential components of the global energy ecosystem by allowing them to store, supply, and share electricity with grids and homes. By launching V2G services in the Netherlands and Korea's Jeju Island, the Group is promoting renewable energy, reducing electricity expenses for customers, and supporting grid stability. The expansion of V2H services in the U.S. will enable EVs to provide backup power during emergencies and peak-demand periods, enhancing energy resilience and promoting efficient, renewable energy use.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/28/hyundai-motor-group-expands-ev-energy-services-with-vehicle-to-grid-and-vehicle-to-home/

  • Largest Tesla Supercharger Hub Opens — Is Powered By Solar

    Tesla has launched its largest Supercharger hub in Lost Hills, California, powered by solar energy and battery storage. The hub features 164 V4 Supercharger stalls delivering over 300 kW of electricity each and is mostly off-grid, thanks to the solar power array and Megapacks. By bypassing the slow permitting and grid connection process, Tesla is able to provide sustainable and reliable travel options for EV drivers, including those with trailers. Located 146 miles north of Los Angeles, this achievement marks a significant step forward in the advancement of climate solutions in the transportation sector.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/27/largest-tesla-supercharger-hub-opens-is-powered-by-solar/

  • A Phyto Finish: Could Seaweed Be Mined for Critical Minerals?

    NREL scientists and researchers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks are studying seaweeds as potential sources of rare earth elements (REEs) through phytoremediation and biomining efforts near Bokan Mountain in Alaska. By analyzing how seaweed accumulates REEs and developing cost-effective extraction methods, they aim to create sustainable and efficient ways to recover these critical minerals. The collaboration between NREL and UAF could lead to the establishment of large-scale seaweed farms for REE production, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional mining practices. This research has the potential to not only meet the growing demand for REEs but also contribute to bioremediation efforts and reduce the environmental impact of mineral extraction.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/26/a-phyto-finish-could-seaweed-be-mined-for-critical-minerals/