Climate Change Solutions Update

Author: Cleantechnica

  • Business Provides Over 50 EV Chargers Onsite For Employees

    Packsize, a company in Salt Lake City, has implemented over 50 onsite EV chargers for its employees, resulting in a 30% EV adoption rate among staff. This initiative not only serves as an employee perk but also supports employee retention and company performance. Electric vehicles are beneficial for the environment and human health due to their lack of carbon emissions and toxic air pollution. Packsize's founder's initial focus on reducing harmful air pollution led to the installation of a 200 kW solar power system to generate electricity for the chargers. It is crucial to consider the source of electricity when charging EVs to minimize environmental impact, as some chargers may contribute to pollution by using electricity from coal and natural gas power plants.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/19/business-provides-over-50-ev-chargers-onsite-for-employees/

  • As Fossil Fuel Costs Rise, Renewable Energy And Storage Shine

    Renewable energy and energy storage are dominating new utility-scale power generation capacity in the US, providing opportunities for energy consumers to buffer against fossil fuel price spikes. New York and New Jersey are leading the way in developing robust renewable energy profiles, with a focus on incentives for homeowners and innovative projects like floating solar power plants. Virtual power plants are being utilized to coordinate demand and supply among small devices, helping utilities avoid costly new gas plant construction. States like Massachusetts are setting ambitious targets for offshore wind projects and new solar and storage capacity by 2035, aiming to achieve significant savings through renewable energy initiatives. Despite uncertainties surrounding factors like natural gas costs and federal energy policy changes, US states are continuing to promote renewable energy transitions with incentives for energy storage, virtual power plants, and new wind and solar projects.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/17/as-fossil-fuel-costs-rise-renewable-energy-storage-shine/

  • Ebikes & Bikes for Everything, + Much of What I’ve Learned Riding Bikes for 75 Years (Part I)

    The section discusses the use of bikes and ebikes as a sustainable transportation option in conjunction with public transportation in places like Utah, highlighting the benefits of last-mile transportation and commuting to work. Emphasizing the importance of dedicated bike paths and safe roads, the article also mentions the convenience of using bike racks on buses and trains. Additionally, it discusses the practicality of riding in various weather conditions, the benefits of ebikes for transportation and recreation, and the positive impact of biking on mental and physical health. The section also addresses options for old and handicapped individuals to use special bikes for transportation, providing tips on preventing flat tires and focusing on practical solutions for individuals facing mobility challenges while cycling.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/17/ebikes-bikes-for-everything-much-of-what-ive-learned-riding-bikes-for-75-years-part-i/

  • Tesla, Schmesla: Let’s Talk About Workhorse Electric Trucks

    Workhorse, a US auto maker, has quietly logged over 20 million miles on its zero emission electric vehicles, including vans, shuttles, buses, and trucks. The company aims to scale up its operation to produce 60,000 units a year and bring down the up-front price of its electric trucks to parity with gasoline and diesel. With a focus on depot-based charging and grid management programs, Workhorse is providing fleet owners with a software-defined vehicle that offers cost savings and autonomous driving capabilities. The recent merger with Motiv Electric Trucks has provided Workhorse with scalable manufacturing capabilities and financial support, positioning the company as a key player in the growing demand for electric trucks in the transportation sector.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/16/tesla-schmesla-lets-talk-about-workhorse-electric-trucks/

  • When Fossil Fuel Supplies Falter, Interest In Renewables Increases

    Cuba has rapidly transitioned to solar and wind power with assistance from China, increasing solar energy generation to over 20 percent in just 12 months to address US sanctions cutting off oil supply from Venezuela. The country aims to achieve energy independence by 2028 with up to 600 megawatts of battery storage, rendering the US oil blockade economically irrelevant. This transition showcases one of the fastest energy transitions achieved by a developing nation and could serve as a model for other countries facing energy crises. The conflict in the Middle East has also led to an increase in interest in personal renewable energy solutions, such as solar installations, home batteries, and EV chargers, signaling a potential tipping point for the world to embrace renewables.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/15/when-fossil-fuel-supplies-falter-interest-in-renewables-increases/

  • Trump’s Offshore Wind Nightmare Becomes Reality

    Despite President Trump's attempts to halt offshore wind farm projects like Vineyard Wind and Revolution Wind, the development of multiple gigawatts of clean power on the Atlantic Coast is progressing. Vineyard Wind, with all 62 turbines now installed, is contributing to the growth of the domestic offshore wind industry. Revolution Wind, serving Rhode Island and Connecticut, reached a key milestone by sending electricity to the grid and is expected to save ratepayers up to $500 million per year. Other delayed projects, like Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind and Empire Wind, are also moving towards completion. With congestion pricing upheld in New York and the Sunrise Wind project progressing towards commissioning in 2027, the US offshore wind industry continues to grow, with multiple gigawatts of clean electricity heading for the nation's grid.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/14/trumps-offshore-wind-nightmare-has-become-reality/

  • The Epstein War Breathes New Life Into Green Hydrogen Industry

    US President Trump's war on Iran has caused fossil energy costs to rise, impacting natural gas markets in Europe and the US, leading to a renewed focus on green hydrogen projects. In Andalusia, Spain, a joint venture between H2Pro and Doral Hydrogen is moving forward with plans for a 50-megawatt off-grid green hydrogen project. This project aims to produce hydrogen entirely from off-grid solar power for blending into the existing natural gas pipeline and connecting with the forthcoming H2Med hydrogen pipeline for export. The Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program in the US, aimed at kickstarting the green hydrogen supply chain, is facing challenges due to funding withdrawal under the Trump administration, impacting farmers who could benefit from sustainable fertilizer produced with green hydrogen.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/14/the-epstein-war-breathes-new-life-into-eu-green-hydrogen-schemes/

  • Thin Film Solar Gets A Muscular Perovskite Makeover

    Perovskite, a next-generation solar material, is gaining attention in the US solar industry, particularly with thin film solar manufacturer First Solar. Thin film solar technology offers lightweight, flexible, and spray-able solutions for high volume manufacturing, with lower costs and durability. First Solar, the only US-headquartered company among the world's largest solar manufacturers, aims to achieve 30% efficiency by 2030 and is expanding its operations in the US and overseas. With projections to reach 17 gigawatts of annual capacity by 2027, First Solar's use of perovskite in their solar cells could potentially replace the equivalent of 17 nuclear power plants and support 40,000 jobs in the US, advancing the development of PV solar devices for various markets. The shift towards renewable energy sources like solar and wind is reducing the reliance on natural gas and coal for energy production, with solar expected to account for 51% of the total new energy resources in the US.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/13/thin-film-solar-gets-a-muscular-perovskite-makeover/

  • 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/