Climate Change Solutions Update

Author: Cleantechnica

  • 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/

  • 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/

  • 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/

  • Startup Aims To Help US Farmers With Green H2 & Wind Power

    The global green hydrogen industry is facing challenges, but solutions are emerging, such as efforts in the US to replace imported ammonia fertilizer with a domestic product. Startups like TalusAg are developing solar-powered green hydrogen-to-ammonia systems for local deployment, with plans for widespread application in agriculture. Two facilities in Minnesota and northern Iowa will produce green ammonia using electrolyzers powered by Blue Earth Light & Water, benefiting farmers by reducing fertilizer costs and allowing them to participate in overseas carbon markets. The project is supported by organizations like PepsiCo and the Minnesota Conservative Energy Forum, aiming to reduce curtailment, create revenue for rural counties, and strengthen industries while also reducing dependence on foreign supply chains. The initiative is seen as a valuable alternative to natural gas for fertilizer production, providing relief to farmers facing challenges such as rising fertilizer and fuel prices, trade wars, and labor shortages.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/06/green-hydrogen-can-help-us-farmers-fix-wind-powers-curtailment-problem-too/

  • 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/

  • A Pseudo Book Review: Solvable: How We Healed The Earth, And How We Can Do It Again

    Susan Solomon, a pioneering scientist known for her work on the link between CFCs and ozone depletion, received the Special Prize for Female Innovators in Hanoi and the Crafoord Prize in Geosciences for her research on atmospheric trace gases. Her research led to the successful Montreal Protocol, which has helped the ozone layer recover, demonstrating how evidence, public understanding, and political will can address global environmental crises. Solomon's book, "Solvable: How We Healed the Earth, and How We Can Do It Again," outlines the structure behind her optimism for solving environmental challenges. She argues that environmental progress follows identifiable conditions, known as the three Ps, and emphasizes the importance of political leadership and credible science in shaping environmental policy. Despite current dangers, she remains optimistic that limiting warming to two degrees is achievable with sustained effort, showing that decline is not irreversible when threats are visible and manageable.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/05/a-pseudo-book-review-solvable-how-we-healed-the-earth-and-how-we-can-do-it-again/

  • Over 3,000 One-Megawatt EV Charging Stations Planned By BYD For Europe

    BYD has introduced ultrafast chargers with a capacity of 1,000 kW, offering the potential for EVs to gain over 200 miles of range in just 5 minutes. While the number of EV models capable of charging at such high rates remains uncertain, BYD's strategy appears to prioritize market dominance through rapid charging speeds and competitive pricing. The practicality of 1,000 kW chargers for the majority of EV owners is debated, with speculation that the focus may be more on business strategy than immediate necessity.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/03/over-3000-one-megawatt-ev-charging-stations-planned-by-byd-for-europe/