Agrivoltaics, the combination of solar power plants with farmland, is gaining popularity in the solar power industry. Washington, DC-based company Okovate Sustainable Energy has acquired the assets of startup Fundusol to improve the planning and development of agrivoltaic projects. The acquisition allows Okovate to integrate a modeling platform developed at Stanford University and Carnegie Mellon, providing data-driven precision in co-locating solar energy and agriculture. The company's technology utilizes genetic algorithms and advanced data visualization to optimize solar array configurations for different crop types, aiming to strengthen the economic fabric of farming communities. Efforts are being made to increase the cost effectiveness and appeal of solar PV power in 2025, with plans to roll out more solar power on farmland across the United States and make additional announcements in 2026.
Author: Cleantechnica
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Electric Buses Prove Their Worth Down Under
Transport for New South Wales and Adelaide are leading the way in Australia's transition to electric buses, with successful trials and fleet conversions underway. The use of regenerative braking and renewable energy sources are key components in reducing carbon emissions and creating a sustainable public transport network. Volvo's introduction of the BZR Electric coach chassis further emphasizes the shift towards responsible and zero-emission transportation solutions. These developments showcase the potential for electric buses to not only reduce emissions but also provide a more comfortable and efficient travel experience for passengers and drivers alike.
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/28/electric-buses-prove-their-worth-down-under/
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Renault Filante Record 2025 Raises The Efficiency Bar For Electric Cars
Renault has unveiled its Filante Record 2025 experimental electric car, focusing on aerodynamic efficiency, energy consumption, and lightweight design to make electric cars practical for everyday driving. The project, developed in collaboration with Ligier and Michelin, aimed to increase the driving range of electric vehicles by reducing weight and improving aerodynamics. The Renault E-Tech, using 7.8 kWh of electricity per 100 km, surpasses the efficiency of all production electric cars currently available. Despite being a single-seat test bed, the technological advancements made by Renault are contributing to the ongoing development of electric vehicles, showing rapid progress in efficiency and performance within the EV revolution.
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A 15-Ton Rooftop Heat Pump Is Coming For Your Fossil Fuels
Electric heat pumps are becoming a key player in the home electrification movement and are now scaling up to decarbonize commercial buildings. Carrier Global Corporation is leading the way in demonstrating the potential of heat pumps in the US, with a new 15-ton rooftop heat pump for commercial use in development. The Energy Department's programs are accelerating the development of next-generation heat pumps for both residential and commercial markets, with a focus on high efficiency and reducing energy costs. Innovations like the Boiler 2.0 industrial heat pump from AtmosZero are highlighting the growing trend towards sustainable energy solutions, aiming to decarbonize industries with high-efficiency electrified steam generators. Commercial-scale heat pumps, like those used at the Belgium Brewing facility in Fort Collins, Colorado, are set to be available in the US market within the next two years, with a goal of delivering zero-emission steam at a cost comparable to fossil-fueled boilers.
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/27/a-15-ton-rooftop-heat-pump-is-coming-for-your-fossil-fuels/
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Massive Solar Plus Storage Facility To Replace Coal And Gas, Too
The article discusses the transition from coal power plants to cleaner energy solutions at the Sherco Energy Hub in Minnesota, where Xcel Energy is replacing coal with renewable energy sources. Xcel plans to retire all remaining coal power plants in the region and focus on leveraging renewable energy assets, including a large solar array and significant battery energy storage system. The company intends to offset costs for battery and solar projects, with construction on the battery storage projects starting in 2026. Xcel sees energy storage as a critical part of Minnesota's energy future, allowing for a diversified energy mix that excludes coal. Additionally, Xcel has incorporated solar grazing at the Sherco Energy Hub, with nearly 2,000 sheep helping to maintain the PV array and provide environmental benefits.
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Industrial Green Hydrogen Is Coming To Europe From The US
The emergence of industrial green hydrogen as a key player in global decarbonization is highlighted in the article, focusing on using renewable energy sources like wind and solar power to decarbonize the hydrogen supply chain. Electric Hydrogen, a Massachusetts startup, is leading the way in this space with support from major industrial stakeholders and climate tech investors. Their HYPRPlant electrolyzer production platform aims to reduce transportation and storage costs for large-scale operations, with projects in California and Texas, including the Project Roadrunner to become the largest efuels producer globally. Efforts to export green ammonia overseas and the potential for ammonia to serve as a transportation medium for green hydrogen are also discussed, showcasing US innovators' impact on global decarbonization despite federal energy policy changes.
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Charting The Changes That Will Lead To Renewable Energy Dominance In 2026
Bill McKibben, a climate realist, acknowledges the dire state of the planet due to global warming but sees hope in the increasing use of alternative energy sources like solar and wind power. He notes the significant progress made in countries like China and Australia in transitioning to renewable energy. McKibben emphasizes the importance of shifting away from fossil fuels towards clean energy solutions to combat the climate crisis. The article also touches on the challenges posed by the current capitalist system that benefits from the extraction and distribution of fossil fuels. The shift towards renewable energy is noted, with examples like China exporting more green technologies than fossil fuels, and the potential for a more sustainable and equitable energy future is emphasized.
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From Guns & Steel to Grids & Batteries: A History-Informed View of Climate Action
The section emphasizes the importance of viewing decarbonization as a market creation challenge, influenced by institutions, culture, and material conditions. It highlights successful climate actions from the past year, such as transmission buildouts, electric vehicle mandates, and industrial policies focusing on scale. The text stresses the role of markets in driving technological innovation and societal change, using examples from history to illustrate the impact of inclusive versus extractive institutions on market development. Ultimately, it concludes that delay in climate action is a choice, not guaranteed success, and that supportive institutions are needed to enable the growth of clean energy markets and accelerate climate action.
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CATL Battery Factory in Spain, Lithium Mine in Yichun
CATL, the largest EV battery producer in the world, is partnering with Stellantis to build a new carbon-neutral EV battery factory in Spain with a capacity of up to 50 GWh, creating thousands of jobs and strengthening the European battery value chain. In addition, CATL is expected to restart its lithium mine in China, impacting lithium carbonate prices. The rebound of lithium prices is discussed in the article, potentially leading to lower battery costs in 2026, which is a positive sign for the future of battery prices and the overall transition to sustainable energy solutions.
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/24/catl-battery-factory-in-spain-lithium-mine-in-yichun/
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Could American “Spirited Self-Determination” Reshape Energy?
Schneider Electric has been partnering with the National Laboratory of the Rockies for a decade to tackle energy questions, focusing on projects such as analyzing the U.S. energy economy in 2050 and developing smart panels for homeowners. The partnership aims to bring together electric ingenuity, automation, artificial intelligence, and digital control to provide better energy solutions, with outcomes potentially leading to reduced energy costs and greater control over electricity flow for Americans. Schneider Electric is investing in technologies and systems to adapt to America's energy future, exploring plausible energy futures and preparing to navigate change based on insights. The partnership is also analyzing the potential energy and cost savings of smart panels for American consumers and utilities, with simulations being conducted to quantify the long-term benefits of this technology. Together, Schneider Electric and NLR are focused on making a significant impact in the energy sector, aiming for greater resilience, affordability, and competitiveness in the future energy landscape.
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/23/could-american-spirited-self-determination-reshape-energy/