Climate Change Solutions Update

Author: Cleantechnica

  • EU Aviation Strategy — T&E Call for Evidence Response

    The aviation sector in Europe is at risk of losing its competitive edge in sustainable technologies due to its heavy dependence on fossil fuels and imported kerosene. To maintain leadership, the sector must invest in zero-emission technology and e-SAF, supported by fair aviation pricing. Key strategies include developing EU Aviation Champions, scaling up e-SAF, implementing non-CO2 mitigation strategies, fair pricing through taxation, and shifting away from volume-driven growth. By focusing on these pillars, a resilient, powerful, and secure aviation sector can be created in Europe.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/21/eu-aviation-strategy-te-call-for-evidence-response/

  • Hyundai Motor Group Expands Pan-India Network to Accelerate Battery & Electrification Research

    Hyundai Motor Group is expanding its Hyundai Center of Excellence (Hyundai CoE) in India to seven universities through four additional partnerships, advancing 39 joint research projects focused on battery and electrification technologies. The initiative aims to accelerate the development of India-specific EV technologies and strengthen the research and development ecosystem in India, solidifying the Hyundai CoE as a central pillar of fostering strong industry-academia partnerships that drive India's electrification transition. Key investment and research areas include battery cells, management systems, energy density, safety, durability, and diagnostic technologies, with projects focusing on battery design, material research, and an AI-powered Vehicle-to-Grid platform. The long-term goal is to evolve the Hyundai CoE into a comprehensive research hub supporting India's EV transition by fostering knowledge exchange, developing innovative EV solutions, and creating a vibrant research ecosystem benefiting India's automotive industry.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/20/hyundai-motor-group-expands-pan-india-network-to-accelerate-battery-electrification-research/

  • How High-Performance Computing and AI Accelerated Applied Energy Research in 2025

    The National Laboratory of the Rockies' Kestrel supercomputer has supported over 500 energy modeling and simulation projects in 2025, with upgrades enhancing its AI capabilities. These projects cover materials science, energy systems, manufacturing, and fluid dynamics, enabling research on cost-effective alternatives for battery metals, optimized bioreactor designs, and improved electricity load forecasting. NLR's advanced computing capabilities are crucial for tackling complex energy challenges and facilitating scientific discovery in applied energy research, providing valuable insights for climate solutions experts.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/19/how-high-performance-computing-and-ai-accelerated-applied-energy-research-in-2025/

  • JUSTIFI Tool Could Unlock Value in Energy Productivity Projects

    The National Laboratory of the Rockies and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a free software tool called JUSTIFI to help manufacturers assess the full value of energy improvement projects, including productivity gains and safety improvements. By quantifying these benefits, businesses can strengthen the business case for projects, reduce payback periods, and align with strategic objectives. The tool has been well-received, with over 1,000 users trying it since its beta release in April 2025. Users can access JUSTIFI to build a complete business case for their energy productivity projects without needing formal training.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/19/justifi-tool-could-unlock-value-in-energy-productivity-projects/

  • Neighborhood Battery Combined With Solar & EV Chargers

    Community solar power and battery projects, like the one in Clifton Hill, Australia, are expanding access to clean electricity for renters, apartment dwellers, and EV drivers. By utilizing renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower, these projects not only reduce strain on the electricity network but also lower power prices. Electric vehicles play a crucial role in the transition to clean energy by storing electricity to support homes and grids, offering a sustainable alternative to internal combustion engine vehicles that rely on dirty fuels.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/18/neighborhood-battery-combined-with-solar-ev-chargers/

  • NLR Partners With Colorado School of Mines and University of Utah To Scale Up US Critical Minerals Capacity

    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.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/18/nlr-partners-with-colorado-school-of-mines-and-university-of-utah-to-scale-up-us-critical-minerals-capacity/

  • 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/

  • 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/

  • 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/

  • 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/