The Asia Clean Energy Forum 2026 in Manila highlighted the region's energy challenges, including geopolitical tensions affecting fuel markets and millions of people lacking reliable power access. The forum emphasized the shift towards clean energy transition in Asia, with a focus on building secure, resilient, inclusive, and intelligent energy systems. Discussions at the forum included the potential of offshore wind in the Philippines, the need for grid modernization to support renewable energy deployment, and the cautious return of nuclear energy to the regional conversation. ADB President emphasized the importance of building interconnected power systems to strengthen energy security in the region. The section also discusses the role of nuclear energy in long-term energy security, the Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative to connect national grids for clean energy trade, and the shift towards cross-border power trade for resilience and affordability in Asia. The focus on AI-driven grid management, decentralized energy systems, and electric vehicles as grid assets highlights the importance of software in ensuring the success of renewable-heavy grids. The conversation around EVs in Southeast Asia has shifted towards their role in stabilizing the grid, rather than just as a decarbonization tool, due to the region's rising vehicle ownership. Charging infrastructure was also highlighted as a key component in this shift. The article emphasizes the interconnected nature of EVs and intelligent grid management as part of the broader transition to clean energy in Asia. The region is on the brink of transformation, with the need for smarter systems, stronger grids, and deeper cooperation to navigate the complexities of the energy transition. The focus is on implementing tools like AI-driven forecasting, decentralized management, and utilizing EVs as grid assets to accelerate the transition.
Author: Cleantechnica
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New Lithium-Air Battery Makes Larger Electric Aircraft Possible
The aviation industry is making progress in transitioning to cleaner alternatives with the development of battery-powered electric aircraft. US startup Air Energy has created a high-density battery solution using solid state lithium-air technology, funded by the Energy Department's JOULES 1K program. Research efforts at Argonne National Laboratory have led to advancements in lithium-air batteries, with a new solid electrolyte design expected to outperform conventional lithium-ion batteries. This technology has potential applications in electric passenger cars, aircraft, and long-haul trucks, contributing to climate solutions in the transportation sector.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/07/02/electric-aircraft-new-battery-lithium-air-solid-state/
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Jackery SolarVault 3 Taps Balcony Solar Potential At InterSolar Europe
Jackery's SolarVault 3 and SolarVault 3 Pro Max are plug and play energy storage systems designed for balcony solar, offering users the ability to expand battery storage and solar panel capacity while remaining below regulatory limitations. These systems use high-grade LFP batteries for safety and longevity, with built-in fire suppression and temperature monitoring. The article emphasizes the importance of storage solutions in maximizing the use of solar energy and reducing waste, highlighting the potential for home backup power during outages. Jackery's Home Energy Management System (HEMS) and AI-driven Ark AI EMS offer intelligent energy management to optimize home energy consumption, increase savings, and improve efficiency. With strong demand and plans to launch in the United States in Q1 2027, these systems are set to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of solar energy systems worldwide.
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Power From Here: Most Of Humanity Already Lives Where Solar & Wind Are Strongest
The abundance of solar and wind energy resources globally presents a significant opportunity for decarbonization. Solar energy in sun-filled regions and wind energy in areas with strong winds, combined with battery storage, can provide a majority of electricity almost everywhere. The decreasing costs of solar and battery storage, driven by the "learning curve" effect of Wright's Law, make the transition to renewables more feasible. Integrated planning, building large grids, and deploying batteries can accelerate the shift to renewable energy, leading to energy sovereignty and reduced reliance on imported fuels. The faster we transition, the cheaper and more sustainable our energy system will become.
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422 Megawatt Floating Solar Portfolio for Philippines
Vietnamese solar developer VinEnergo is partnering with solar engineering company SunAsia Energy to develop 422 MWp of floating solar power in the Philippines, marking their first entry into the Filipino market. The projects will consist of almost 700,000 solar modules mounted on pile-supported structures above water, allowing aquaculture activities to continue below. This partnership aims to enhance energy security, boost economic growth, improve livelihoods, and contribute to environmental protection through the advancement of renewable energy infrastructure.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/28/422-megawatt-floating-solar-portfolio-for-philippines/
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Exploring How to Get More Solar & Batteries at Apartment Buildings
A pilot study in Sydney, Australia is deploying more solar power and batteries in apartment buildings using an AI-powered modular power portal system to improve energy flow. The goal is to increase solar and battery uptake among renters by predicting energy use and creating a shared network, expected to lower operating costs by up to 30%. Companies involved in the study include Beaumont Strata Management, Ocean Building Management, and One Stop Warehouse.
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InterSolar Europe 2026 Key Takeaways
The smarter E Europe 2026 event in Munich showcased the increasing integration of solar with storage, EV charging, and energy management, emphasizing the importance of storage in maximizing the use of solar energy and ensuring grid stability. The event highlighted the competitive landscape of the renewable energy industry, with companies vying for market share and focusing on design, usability, and creativity in solar panel design. Intelligent energy management is crucial in the growing renewable energy and energy storage sector, with companies offering V2G services and focusing on quality products and service to build trust with customers. The progress of electric vehicles in the Netherlands and the potential for V2G technology to help solve grid challenges were discussed, along with the need for simplicity and harmonization in bureaucracy to accelerate electrification and reduce emissions. Global learning and collaboration in the clean technology industry were emphasized at InterSolar, highlighting the value of engaging in the global clean technology ecosystem to define the winners and losers in the future.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/27/intersolar-europe-2026-key-takeaways/
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Aptera Proved Its Solar Generation, Now It Needs To Prove Its Efficiency
Aptera's latest solar tests on their validation vehicle aim to achieve a 40-mile daily solar range by hitting an efficiency design target of 100 watt-hours per mile, with aerodynamics and rolling resistance playing key roles. The company plans to undergo third-party validation in July to confirm the real-world efficiency of their vehicle. Achieving a 100 Wh/mile target in electric vehicles could redefine what EVs are capable of, making them more affordable and accessible for users without home charging options. The hope is to see improvements in range for EVs, even in areas with less sunlight like New Mexico, to make EV adoption more convenient for a wider range of users.
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CATL Debuts World’s 1st Field-Validated Sodium-Ion BESS, Bringing Sodium Storage to Commercial Reality
CATL has unveiled the TENER Sodium Energy Storage System, the world's first sodium-ion energy storage solution, which is expected to reach 1 GWh in shipments by 2026. The system offers better performance, safety, and cost potential compared to lithium, with modular architecture, configuration flexibility, and lower maintenance costs. CATL has invested heavily in sodium-ion battery R&D, accumulating patents and establishing end-to-end manufacturing processes to support large-scale deployment. The company is set to deliver its first systems in September, with international deliveries starting in June 2027, marking the official entry of sodium-ion energy storage into the GWh-scale deployment era and representing a new stage in energy storage infrastructure for a more stable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy future.
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Octopus Energy Partners With DTEK To Bring Solar & Battery Storage To Ukraine
Octopus Energy and DTEK have formed a joint venture called Project RISE to invest €100 million in building rooftop solar and battery storage in Ukraine. This initiative aims to help Ukrainian businesses and public sector organizations generate and store electricity onsite, reducing the impact of power outages caused by Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. The partnership showcases a decentralized green energy system as a resilient solution against infrastructure attacks, with the goal of securing long-term financing for the project through negotiations with financial institutions. Octopus Energy's CEO, Greg Jackson, emphasizes the importance of distributed solar and batteries in building a secure future for Ukraine's energy system. The joint venture will provide equipment at no upfront cost, with financing from banks, investors, grants, and guarantees, aligning with Rinat Akhmetov's commitment to Ukraine's recovery and sustainable development.