The National Laboratory of the Rockies has signed memorandums of understanding with the Colorado School of Mines and the University of Utah to strengthen America's energy and material supply chains through critical minerals innovation, commercialization, and workforce development. The partnerships aim to scale up technologies for stronger supply chains and energy security, enabling integrated research and facility sharing to support concept-to-commercialization scalability of critical minerals innovations and build a skilled domestic workforce. The collaboration includes launching new facilities for critical minerals research and innovation in Colorado, focusing on advancing technologies related to materials supply chains, critical minerals, advanced materials, and manufacturing using AI-enabled science workflows and high-performance computing. These partnerships aim to accelerate innovation, education, and workforce development in the field of climate solutions, leveraging the capabilities of academic institutions to address challenges in energy resilience and critical minerals research.
Author: Cleantechnica
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14 New EV Chargers To Be Installed In Aspen, Colorado
Aspen, Colorado is expanding its public EV charging infrastructure with 14 new chargers at seven sites, adding to the existing 24 ports in the city. The move to electrification is seen as crucial in addressing climate change impacts and rising gas prices. The total cost for the new chargers is estimated at $217,297.08, making them affordable for the city. Electric vehicles can be charged with clean, renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal, aligning with Aspen's 100% renewable energy goal and supporting the transition away from fossil fuels.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/17/14-new-ev-chargers-to-be-installed-in-aspen-colorado/
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Ethiopia Leads EV Revolution In Africa
Ethiopia is leading the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in Africa, with over 115,000 EVs on its roads, accounting for 8% of all cars. The country's shift towards EVs is driven by high fuel prices, shortages, and a ban on importing internal combustion engine vehicles. Ethiopia aims to reduce reliance on imported fuel, strengthen energy security, and promote green policies by increasing the number of EVs and doubling power generation through renewable sources. Despite challenges with charging infrastructure in rural areas and concerns about battery durability and depreciation, the transition to EVs in Ethiopia is seen as a way to reshape energy usage and benefit the country as a whole.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/17/ethiopia-leads-ev-revolution-in-africa/
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Solar & Farming Can Share Land, But The Details Matter
Agrivoltaics, the combination of solar panels and agriculture, can be challenging to implement effectively. It is important to prioritize the agricultural system in the design process, considering factors such as crop physiology, climate, irrigation, and farmer economics. Contracts should clearly define responsibilities and benefits for both the farmer and the solar developer. The success of agrivoltaics should be measured by overall productivity, not just crop yield per hectare. Policy should support genuine dual use of land for solar and agriculture, rather than forcing every solar project to include farming. Enforcement is necessary to ensure that developers do not exploit agricultural claims for easier approval.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/16/solar-farming-can-share-land-but-the-details-matter/
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Canada Needs A Second Golden Spike For Electricity
Canada's federal government is working on a National Electricity Strategy to double grid capacity by 2050, focusing on clean, reliable, and affordable electricity. The strategy includes generation, transmission, distribution, storage, grid modernization, and workforce development, aiming to deliver up to $15 billion in energy savings by 2050. It emphasizes the importance of an electrification-first approach to decarbonization, efficient movement of clean power across provincial boundaries, and strategic reduction of fossil fuel use. The strategy also highlights the need for clear regulations on gas plants, realistic nuclear planning, prioritizing efficiency and flexible demand, and faster energy savings measures. Indigenous participation, skilled workers, and collaboration with provinces are essential for successful implementation, with the federal government playing a key role in setting direction and supporting major projects.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/15/canada-needs-a-second-golden-spike-for-electricity/
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The Rise In Demand For Cooling Sparks Interest In More Energy Efficient Air Conditioners
Transaera, a MIT spinoff, manufactures energy efficient rooftop air conditioning systems using MOF technology to remove moisture separately from cooling, resulting in 40% less energy usage compared to traditional systems. The systems cost 20% more but pay for themselves in energy savings within two years, with a useful life of 15 years. Metal-organic frameworks, a new class of materials, contribute to the energy efficiency gains by extracting moisture from the air. The company has partnered with manufacturers to install their systems in buildings, including a multi-year deal with Amazon to help achieve net-zero emissions by 2040. As more people and companies understand the benefits of MOF technology, the technology is expected to scale quickly, with Transaera systems offering rapid recapture of the extra cost and designed to fit seamlessly into existing infrastructure.
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€1 Billion To Be Invested In German Electric Truck Charging
The German Ministry of Transport is investing €1 billion over four years to develop more commercial electric truck charging infrastructure in Germany, aiming to have 80% clean, renewable electricity by 2030 and eventually be at zero emissions. Electric trucks produce no greenhouse gas emissions or toxic air pollution, making them a better option for both climate change and human health. This investment in electrifying the German road freight market is a positive move towards a more sustainable future, showcasing the benefits of energy efficiency and cost savings in transitioning away from internal combustion engine vehicles and phasing out coal entirely.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/13/e1-billion-to-be-invested-in-german-electric-truck-charging/
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15,000 E-Bike Rebates Provided By Ava Community Energy
The benefits of e-bikes in reducing carbon emissions and providing a practical alternative to car trips are highlighted in the article. Ava Community Energy's e-bike program supports local businesses and aims to make clean energy more accessible. E-bikes are becoming a popular choice for households due to their affordability, low maintenance costs, and environmental benefits. The upcoming E-bike Test & Ride event on June 27th at Coliseum BART Station, in partnership with Bike East Bay, aims to provide residents with a hands-on opportunity to experience e-bikes before making a purchase decision. Ava has dispersed 15,021 rebates, with 26% going to income-qualified customers, and customers can choose between Ava and PG&E for electricity generation, with Ava offering service plans that draw primarily from renewable sources.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/13/15000-e-bike-rebates-provided-by-ava-community-energy/
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US Startup Crosses The Bridge Between SAF & Powdered Milk
The global fuel crisis sparked by the Iran War has led to a surge in demand for alternative fuels, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Texas-based startup Syzygy Plasmonics has developed a light-operated biogas reactor to produce synthetic fuels from biogas without combustion, renewing interest in producing fuels from renewable feedstocks for national defense and economic security. Syzygy's focus on sustainable and resilient fuel production includes a project in Uruguay aiming to produce SAF with significantly lower emissions than conventional fuel, with plans to scale up production and establish a competitive business model within the SAF field. The company has also signed agreements to license its bio-based solutions for significant fuel production volumes, with federal energy policymakers open to renewable resources like biomass, geothermal energy, and hydropower. The Iran war has contributed to closing the cost gap between sustainable aviation fuels and traditional fuels, making Syzygy's biogas-to-fuel SAF system increasingly attractive in the market.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/11/us-innovator-crosses-the-bridge-from-powdered-milk-to-saf/
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A Mothers’ Day Call: Women, Rise Up For Transformative Clean Energy!
The historical significance of Mothers' Day and the role of women in advocating for societal change are highlighted in this section, emphasizing the need for women to be at the forefront of the clean energy transition. Empowering women in the renewable energy sector through tailored instructional approaches is crucial for a more inclusive and sustainable transition. France's lower carbon emissions compared to men underscore the importance of making clean energy more accessible to female voters. Educating and empowering women to take action on clean energy solutions is seen as essential in the fight against global warming. Various organizations are dedicated to empowering women in the clean energy industry, recognizing the economic opportunities and benefits for women in the sector.