Climate Change Solutions Update

Author: Cleantechnica

  • BYD Challenges EV Range Assumptions With 1000 km Denza Z9

    The article discusses the benefits of electric cars, particularly in terms of convenience, power, comfort, and technology, with the Denza Z9 from BYD's premium brand offering a range of over 1000 km. The expanding flash charging network in China and plans to launch the Z9 in Europe with thousands of flash charging stations are highlighted. The introduction of solid-state batteries may further increase EV driving ranges in the future, potentially leading to EV driving range parity with ICE vehicles. This shift in consumer mindset towards accepting slightly lower ranges is changing perspectives and allowing other positive attributes of EVs to shine, ultimately contributing to climate solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/10/byd-challenges-ev-range-assumptions-with-1000-km-denza-z9/

  • Altitude Partners With Alcom For +360.000t Carbon Removals

    Altitude, a top carbon dioxide removal (CDR) financier, has partnered with Alcom to purchase over 360,000 tonnes of CO2 Removal Certificates (CORCs) from biochar-based carbon removal facilities in the Philippines and India. This collaboration aims to accelerate the deployment of high-quality CDR capacity, bringing long-term climate benefits and creating local economic value. Alcom, a pioneer in biochar project development, has a successful track record in building and delivering on growth ambitions. Altitude's significant contribution as a top CDR buyer globally is helping to scale up large-scale CDR efforts, furthering climate solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/09/altitude-partners-with-alcom-for-360-000t-carbon-removals/

  • EVs Lower Nitrous Oxide Levels In California

    A study in California has found that increased adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is linked to lower levels of pollutants, specifically NO2 air pollution. Transitioning to 100% zero emissions vehicle sales by 2035 is projected to reduce ambient NO2 concentrations by 61% in the US and 30-80% in China, leading to significant health benefits and over $1.2 trillion in cumulative health benefits between 2020 and 2050. The study used satellite measurements of NO2 to relate to annual ZEV registrations and confirmed the positive impact of EV adoption on air quality. The researchers suggest that their approach can be generalized globally to other locations without air quality monitoring networks.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/09/evs-lower-nitrous-oxide-levels-in-california/

  • A New Energy Storage Startup Challenges Tesla In US Market

    Lunar Energy, a US startup specializing in energy storage systems, has secured $232 million in funding to expand its AI-powered energy storage system for residential use. The company aims to help consumers save money on electricity bills by intelligently learning patterns of electricity consumption and utilizing solar energy efficiently. Investors believe Lunar is outperforming competitors like Powerwall with their technology, and they are noted for their Gridshare platform used by Sunrun in various markets. Lunar Energy's CEO, Kunal Girotra, previously worked at Tesla Energy and launched the company in 2020 to help homes become active participants in a smarter, more resilient grid through its innovative energy storage solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/08/us-energy-storage-startup-moves-in-on-the-residential-market-with-another-232-million/

  • AI Startup That Does EV-Related Materials Science Discovery Raises $8M

    The section discusses the investment in clean, renewable technologies in countries outside the US, such as the UK-based startup Polaron raising $8 million. It highlights the importance of developing enhanced materials to improve electric vehicle efficiency, with examples like the electric MINI Countryman SUV increasing its range without increasing battery size. Polaron's CEO explains how early deployments have improved battery electrode energy density by more than 10% through manufacturing process optimization. The use of AI technology by EV makers and battery manufacturers for R&D and process engineering is also discussed, with AI being used for characterisation and design to improve performance and accelerate work on fast charging, energy density, and battery lifetime. The new funding will be used to scale the team, expand industrial deployment, and integrate with large industrial customers, with the approach being applicable to other EV components beyond battery electrodes to improve performance based on internal structure shaped by manufacturing.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/08/ai-startup-that-does-ev-related-materials-science-discovery-raises-8m/

  • Will Water-Powered Microgrids Work in the Real World?

    The National Laboratory of the Rockies is hosting a webinar series on marine energy microgrid technologies, focusing on testing and de-risking these technologies in the lab before deployment in remote communities. The potential for harnessing wave, tidal, and river-current energy is immense and widely distributed across the US coastlines and rivers. Researchers at the laboratory are using wave energy converters to desalinate seawater and improve power electronics in these devices. This approach can help address unique energy challenges in remote communities like those in Alaska, where over 250 communities operate isolated microgrids. Interested individuals can sign up for CleanTechnica's Weekly Substack for more in-depth analyses and high-level summaries on clean energy topics.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/06/will-water-powered-microgrids-work-in-the-real-world/

  • Could Light Be Used To Drive Enzymes for Efficient Ammonia Production?

    Researchers are exploring the use of nanocrystal-nitrogenase biohybrids to reduce energy costs in ammonia production by harnessing light to convert N2 gas to ammonia. By studying electron delivery efficiency and hole scavenging in the CdS:MoFe complex, they aim to optimize the process and potentially lower energy costs. This innovative technology could lead to localized production near agricultural sites, reducing transportation costs and offering applications in fuel, feedstock, and energy storage. The research, highlighted by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science Basic Energy Sciences program, provides valuable insights into biological nitrogen fixation and electron transfer pathways, with implications for sustainable climate solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/06/could-light-be-used-to-drive-enzymes-for-efficient-ammonia-production/

  • Solar Power Provides Benefits To Northern Cheyenne & Kenyan Communities

    Clean, renewable energy solutions such as solar power and energy storage systems are proving to be cost competitive with fossil fuels and are providing reliable electricity to remote communities. Projects like the Northern Cheyenne Buffalo Reservation Project and the Give Power Project are examples of how solar power and battery storage are improving quality of life by bringing electricity and clean water to communities in need, reducing dependence on polluting diesel generators. The installation of solar systems at school campuses not only powers daily operations but also benefits the broader community by improving safety, supporting healthier learning environments with access to clean water, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. These initiatives showcase the positive impact of renewable energy solutions in addressing climate change and improving the well-being of communities.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/05/solar-power-provides-benefits-to-northern-cheyenne-kenyan-communities/

  • New Solution For Critical Minerals: Recycling, Not Conflict Zones

    A new US startup, Supra Elemental Recovery, has developed a sponge-like filter to extract high-purity critical minerals from industrial waste, offering a more secure and sustainable solution compared to overseas mining. The University of Texas has contributed to the funding and development of the cartridge, which is designed to be reusable and environmentally friendly. The technology has shown promising results, with investors backing the project. This innovative approach could potentially revolutionize the extraction and refining of critical minerals needed for EVs and solar cells. The Supra team is working on a commercial-level demonstration later this year, aiming to provide U.S.-based manufacturers with a sustainable source of critical minerals.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/05/the-solution-for-us-critical-minerals-geopolitical-minefield-vs-recycling/

  • Why Waiting on Grid Batteries Will Cost Ontario More Than Acting Now

    The discussion in Ottawa highlighted the rapid growth of grid batteries globally, emphasizing the need for different solutions for seasonal peaks and the importance of balancing supply and demand in electricity systems. Automated systems are increasingly managing grid operations, with a focus on renewable energy integration and energy storage solutions like batteries and electric vehicles. The conversation also touched on the reliability of different energy sources, the impact of falling battery prices on the energy landscape, and the potential for software and batteries to replace traditional infrastructure upgrades. Overall, the focus is on the evolving dynamics of the energy sector towards more sustainable and efficient solutions, with batteries playing a crucial role in cost-effective flexibility options when paired with new generation and thoughtful system planning.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/02/why-waiting-on-grid-batteries-will-cost-ontario-more-than-acting-now/