The challenges facing the vehicle electrification movement, such as high costs of fast-charging stations and grid limitations, are being addressed by innovative solutions like ElectricFish's AI-assisted charging-plus-storage system. Their modular "350Squared" and new "400Squared" charging stations offer quick top-offs for EV drivers and can strengthen the grid with fast charging capabilities. ElectricEra is also entering the market with customizable EV charge kiosks and a quick installation timeline for their 400-kilowatt charging stations. These advancements in fast-charging technology are crucial for the continued growth and adoption of electric vehicles in the US.
Author: Cleantechnica
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Orbiting Data Centers To Deploy Solar Power 24/7
Orbit AI, in collaboration with PowerBank Corporation, is entering the space data center market with a project aimed at competing with Elon Musk's Starlink venture. They are launching a satellite network called "DeStarlink" and have deployed their first satellite, Genesis-1, equipped with AI technology for real-time data analysis in space. PowerBank, a Canadian solar and energy storage developer, is partnering with Orbit AI to create a next-generation digital infrastructure in orbit, utilizing solar power and AI technology. This collaboration aims to establish a decentralized low-Earth-orbit network for global connectivity and AI data centers powered by solar arrays in space. PowerBank is focusing on data center energy management and in-orbit compute services in high-growth AI markets, with a goal of achieving global coverage by 2027 and becoming a "self-learning orbital swarm" by 2028-2030. This aligns with the race to launch AI-powered satellites for climate solutions.
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Panasonic’s AI Strategy Enters the Implementation Phase: Real-World Impact for Better Future Showcased at CES 2026
At CES 2026, the Panasonic Group showcased a range of AI and advanced technology solutions, focusing on workplace, wellness, and environmental solutions. These included innovations such as a smart aging-care solution, RizMo biorhythm monitoring device, and perovskite solar cells for renewable energy generation. The company also introduced an automatic home appliance disassembly system to improve recycling efficiency, demonstrating their commitment to building a sustainable future through innovative technology solutions. Panasonic's comprehensive manufacturing capabilities are being leveraged to support the evolving needs of AI infrastructure, with a focus on improving operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact in data centers.
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MOCHI Blocks 90% Of Heat Transfer In Windows
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a new material called MOCHI, which is a thin coating that can be applied to windows to allow light in while reducing heat transfer by 90%. Made of a silicone gel with tiny air bubbles, MOCHI is long-lasting, transparent, and could revolutionize energy efficiency in buildings. This clear-but-insulating material could trap heat from sunlight for sustainable energy production and has a thermal transmittance that beats conventional windows by a large margin. While the potential impact on global energy demand is revolutionary, the mass production feasibility of MOCHI is still uncertain due to the time-consuming manufacturing process.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/01/07/mochi-blocks-90-of-heat-transfer-in-windows/
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XCharge North America and Energy Plus Partner to Build One of the Largest Battery-Backed EV Charging Depots in the U.S.
XCharge NA and Energy Plus have partnered to create a large battery-backed EV charging depot in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, set to go live in Q2 2026. The site will feature 44 XCharge NA GridLink units providing 9.46 MWh of energy storage for 88 parking spaces, aiming to strengthen local resiliency and mitigate electricity costs. This partnership demonstrates a model for public and private companies to accelerate the clean energy transition in urban areas, with plans to expand the Eplug model to other major U.S. cities. XCharge NA specializes in high-power EV charging and battery-integrated solutions tailored to the North American electrical grid, working towards establishing a global green future through improved grid resilience and new revenue streams.
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Sunrun & HASI Form New $500 Million Joint Venture to Accelerate Distributed Power Development
HASI and Sunrun have announced a joint venture to finance distributed energy assets, with HASI investing up to $500 million over 18 months to support over 40,000 home power plants in the US. This partnership aims to provide a more efficient cost of capital and accelerate the development of essential infrastructure through home-based energy systems. Sunrun's Chief Financial Officer highlighted the innovative financing structure with HASI as a first-of-its-kind for residential storage and solar financing, offering an efficient capital structure for growth. While forward-looking statements have been made, both companies acknowledge the risks and uncertainties involved, with factors outlined in their Annual Reports filed with the SEC.
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Canadian Maritime Leaders Call for National Fleet and Clean Electrification Strategy Amid Global Trade Uncertainty
Maritime leaders from Canada's West Coast are calling for the creation of a Canadian-owned commercial trading fleet and a clean, electrified shipbuilding strategy to enhance supply chain security and energy sovereignty. They aim to strengthen national trade control, drive investment in domestic shipbuilding, green marine technology, and clean energy infrastructure. British Columbia is seen as a potential leader in this initiative, with plans to combine advanced electrification and clean energy systems for port microgrids and vessel charging. The leaders are urging government support to unlock banking capital and policy backing for Canadian shipyards and clean port electrification.
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Tata Power Commissions 1.4-Gigawatt Solar Farm Just Before Year End
Tata Power has commissioned a 1.4 GW solar power plant in Rajasthan, India, the largest they have ever built, expected to produce 2.454 TWh of electricity annually. The power will be distributed to Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand, utilizing bifacial modules and high-performance inverters for efficiency. Developed under the CPSU Scheme of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, this project showcases a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions in the region.
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World’s 1st Production Solid-State Battery!
A small company in Finland, Donutlabs, has developed the world's first production solid-state battery with a high energy density of 400 Wh/kg. Verge Motorcycles has incorporated these batteries into their motorcycles, allowing for up to 600 km of range and an 80% charge in less than 10 minutes. The batteries have a long cycle life, work in extreme temperatures, and are safe and cost-effective. This advancement in battery technology could lead to the end of combustion engines in various applications and accelerate the electrification of the world's energy, offering a promising solution to reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/01/05/worlds-1st-production-solid-state-battery/
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From Riverboats To Global Ports: CATL Is Winning The Shipping Electrification Race
CATL's batteries and energy management systems are being utilized in various ships and vessels, showcasing a shift towards electrification in maritime transport. The company's Ship-Shore-Cloud electric vessel solution, in partnership with A.P. Moller Maersk, is driving decarbonization efforts in ports and logistics, focusing on electrifying ground equipment, harbor craft, and shore power for vessels. Challenges in decarbonizing deep sea shipping are being addressed through operational changes, sustainable biofuels, and the prioritization of electrification in ports and short sea routes. Chinese battery manufacturers are leading the way in supplying batteries for maritime applications, while Europe and countries like Norway, Denmark, and Scotland are making strides in ferry electrification. This concrete reshaping of the shipping sector towards electrification is already in progress, with a focus on reducing emissions and costs while increasing regulatory familiarity and workforce capability.