Climate Change Solutions Update

Author: Cleantechnica

  • Trump’s Offshore Wind Nightmare Becomes Reality

    Despite President Trump's attempts to halt offshore wind farm projects like Vineyard Wind and Revolution Wind, the development of multiple gigawatts of clean power on the Atlantic Coast is progressing. Vineyard Wind, with all 62 turbines now installed, is contributing to the growth of the domestic offshore wind industry. Revolution Wind, serving Rhode Island and Connecticut, reached a key milestone by sending electricity to the grid and is expected to save ratepayers up to $500 million per year. Other delayed projects, like Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind and Empire Wind, are also moving towards completion. With congestion pricing upheld in New York and the Sunrise Wind project progressing towards commissioning in 2027, the US offshore wind industry continues to grow, with multiple gigawatts of clean electricity heading for the nation's grid.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/14/trumps-offshore-wind-nightmare-has-become-reality/

  • The Epstein War Breathes New Life Into Green Hydrogen Industry

    US President Trump's war on Iran has caused fossil energy costs to rise, impacting natural gas markets in Europe and the US, leading to a renewed focus on green hydrogen projects. In Andalusia, Spain, a joint venture between H2Pro and Doral Hydrogen is moving forward with plans for a 50-megawatt off-grid green hydrogen project. This project aims to produce hydrogen entirely from off-grid solar power for blending into the existing natural gas pipeline and connecting with the forthcoming H2Med hydrogen pipeline for export. The Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program in the US, aimed at kickstarting the green hydrogen supply chain, is facing challenges due to funding withdrawal under the Trump administration, impacting farmers who could benefit from sustainable fertilizer produced with green hydrogen.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/14/the-epstein-war-breathes-new-life-into-eu-green-hydrogen-schemes/

  • Thin Film Solar Gets A Muscular Perovskite Makeover

    Perovskite, a next-generation solar material, is gaining attention in the US solar industry, particularly with thin film solar manufacturer First Solar. Thin film solar technology offers lightweight, flexible, and spray-able solutions for high volume manufacturing, with lower costs and durability. First Solar, the only US-headquartered company among the world's largest solar manufacturers, aims to achieve 30% efficiency by 2030 and is expanding its operations in the US and overseas. With projections to reach 17 gigawatts of annual capacity by 2027, First Solar's use of perovskite in their solar cells could potentially replace the equivalent of 17 nuclear power plants and support 40,000 jobs in the US, advancing the development of PV solar devices for various markets. The shift towards renewable energy sources like solar and wind is reducing the reliance on natural gas and coal for energy production, with solar expected to account for 51% of the total new energy resources in the US.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/13/thin-film-solar-gets-a-muscular-perovskite-makeover/

  • US Perovskite Solar Cell Startup Hits The Ground Running

    Solar manufacturing in the US has seen a resurgence, with 65 new or expanded solar and energy storage factories commissioned in 2025, surpassing 60 gigawatts of domestic solar module production capacity. The entire solar supply chain has been re-shored, strengthening the case for solar power despite potential risks to factories under federal energy policy. US startup Swift Solar has acquired the intellectual property and manufacturing assets of Meyer Burger to produce tandem silicon-perovskite solar cells, aiming to increase efficiency beyond the current 30% ceiling. High-efficiency solar panels offer benefits such as land savings and cost reduction, with opportunities for agrivoltaic projects. UbiQD in New Mexico is scaling up manufacturing of perovskite solar cells, while a US startup is fueling growth in silicon-perovskite solar cell technology through the acquisition of assets from a bankrupt German firm.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/12/us-perovskite-solar-cell-startup-hits-the-ground-running/

  • In Alaska, a Data Center Inside a Power Plant, Inside a Microgrid

    Cordova Electric Cooperative in Alaska has successfully implemented a local microgrid powered by hydropower and battery energy storage, reducing diesel imports and increasing local energy supply. Inspired by this success, they are now piloting a modular data center powered by localized energy from a hydroelectric facility. The data center is designed for resilience and efficiency, with a focus on distributing data processing and storage assets around geography. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and demonstrate the capabilities of edge-based data centers in supporting remote populations. Surplus hydropower is being used to power a local data center in Cordova, Alaska, providing computing capacity for various purposes and bringing data "inside the fence" for business and artificial intelligence applications. Lessons learned from microgrid-data center setups can help streamline data center investments and avoid excessive costs, with the DOE Office of Electricity researching advanced microgrid technologies to facilitate affordable and reliable electricity delivery for data centers. ARIES analysis is being used to answer key questions for connecting computers to power in both small-scale and hyperscale projects, showcasing the potential for localized energy solutions in addressing climate challenges.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/09/in-alaska-a-data-center-inside-a-power-plant-inside-a-microgrid/

  • Steering Electricity: How Grid Control Devices Unlock Transmission Capacity

    Engineers are focusing on extracting more performance from the electricity network using electronics, software, and control systems. The grid is evolving to become smarter, similar to the evolution of transportation systems. FACTS and APFC technologies help operators guide the flow of electrons, allowing the existing grid to carry more power than originally expected. This approach does not eliminate the need for new infrastructure but maximizes the capacity of the current network.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/08/steering-electricity-how-grid-control-devices-unlock-transmission-capacity/

  • BYD’s 1.5 MW “Flash” Charging Wasn’t A Gimmick. The Battery Chemistry Behind It Could Change The Industry.

    The article discusses the new 1.5-megawatt Flash Charging system by BYD, highlighting its fast charging capabilities and potential impact on battery pack sizes and vehicle design. This technology allows for rapid charging, with a vehicle reaching 97 percent charge in just nine minutes, potentially leading to smaller battery packs in commuter cars while still providing a seamless road trip experience. Additionally, the implications of using large battery packs and high-power chargers for heavy electric trucks, like the Chevrolet Silverado EV LT, are discussed in relation to towing. The use of a 1.5-megawatt Flash Charger could potentially recharge 100 to 120 kilowatt-hours of energy in 10 to 15 minutes, making electric trucks a more viable option for towing compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/08/byds-1-5-mw-flash-charging-wasnt-a-gimmick-the-battery-chemistry-behind-it-could-change-the-industry/

  • District Cooling From the Pacific: A Targeted Efficiency for Oʻahu

    The article discusses the fully electrified energy system on Oʻahu, focusing on the island's transition to electric technologies and renewable energy resources. Seawater district cooling systems offer a more energy-efficient approach to meeting the cooling demand of densely populated areas in Hawaii, such as Waikīkī and downtown Honolulu. These systems could potentially serve over 50,000 tons of cooling demand in these areas, resulting in energy savings of up to 92.5%. Seawater cooling systems in Oʻahu help reduce electricity consumption during peak hours, lowering the need for generation and storage capacity, and complement other renewable energy strategies in the island's electrified energy system.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/07/district-cooling-from-the-pacific-a-targeted-efficiency-for-o%CA%BBahu/

  • The US Offshore Wind Industry Gets An Assist From Singapore

    The Empire Wind offshore wind farm off the coast of New York, initially halted by President Trump, is back on track with the use of shuttle models and a Jones-compliant vessel from Singapore for construction. Seatrium has built a new WTIV for the US offshore wind industry, designed to handle large turbines and comply with the Jones Act. Despite challenges, including Trump's attempts to halt projects, the vessel is now in use at the Empire Wind project. The global offshore wind industry is growing, with advancements in technology and construction progressing worldwide, showcasing the potential for renewable energy industries to thrive.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/07/a-boat-made-in-singapore-will-build-an-offshore-wind-farm-in-new-york/

  • Unlocking Vehicle-to-Grid at Scale

    The article discusses the potential of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology in Electric Vehicles (EVs) to support the electricity grid, integrate renewables, and lower charging costs. It emphasizes the need for EU vehicle type approval standards to enable large-scale deployment of V2G, proposing the introduction of a voluntary 'V2G-ready' label on new EVs with specific requirements such as compliance with interoperability standards and sharing of battery data. By 2032, these requirements should be incorporated into mandatory EU vehicle type approval for all new EVs, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient energy system.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/06/unlocking-vehicle-to-grid-at-scale/