Climate Change Solutions Update

Author: Cleantechnica

  • The Big ICE Meltdown — May’s China EV Sales Report

    In May, ICE model sales in China crashed 39% while EV market share reached a record 63%, with BEVs on track to surpass 40% market share by 2026. Domestic brands are leading the shift towards EVs, with 81% share among local brands, and seven of the top 10 best-selling models being pure electric. The article discusses the performance of various EV models in different size categories, highlighting the success of brands like Geely, Tesla, and Xiaomi. Despite overall sales declines for top brands, startups like Leapmotor and Tesla are seeing significant growth, indicating a shift towards new technology and electric vehicles in the automotive industry.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/13/the-big-ice-meltdown-mays-china-ev-sales-report/

  • New Method Turns Ocean Water into Drinking Water, without Waste

    Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a new solar-powered desalination system that efficiently produces fresh water while collecting salts and minerals to prevent environmental damage. By using specially engineered black metal panels to distill water and direct remaining salts to a passive region for later collection, this technology offers a sustainable solution to global water shortages and mineral demand. The system, supported by the Melinda Gates Foundation and Worldwide Universities Network, aims to improve access to drinking water and create more sustainable supply chains for precious minerals like lithium. Led by Luke Auburn, the research team is focused on advancing solar energy technology for climate solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/12/new-method-turns-ocean-water-into-drinking-water-without-waste/

  • Most Efficient Solar Module in the World

    The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) has achieved a new solar module efficiency record of 34.4 percent in collaboration with AZUR SPACE and temicon, using III-V germanium solar PV modules. This was made possible by utilizing shingled matrix technology to interconnect the solar cells, eliminating the need for traditional solder-coated copper ribbons. The innovative approach of direct cell-to-cell contact and high area utilization contributed to the record efficiency, surpassing their previous record of 34.2 percent. This breakthrough in solar technology offers promising advancements in climate solutions for renewable energy production.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/12/most-efficient-solar-module-in-the-world-new-record/

  • How Europe Can Lead the Next-Generation Flights

    European companies are developing zero-emission and hybrid-powered aircraft to decarbonize flying and strengthen Europe's industrial competitiveness. These aircraft can reduce the sector's reliance on fossil fuel imports and secure the future of aviation manufacturing in Europe. However, current regulations and funding mechanisms need to be updated to support the development and deployment of these new technologies. Key recommendations include ringfencing funding for electric and hydrogen technologies, supporting new entrants in R&D and industrialization, and creating the right conditions for zero-emission aircraft in the aviation sector. Europe has the potential to lead the next generation of commercial aviation with the right legislative choices and support.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/10/how-europe-can-lead-the-next-generation-flights/

  • Texas Scores Another Solar Factory, Trump Or No Trump

    TOYO Solar, a Japanese firm, is investing $357 million in a 1.5-gigawatt solar cell manufacturing facility in Texas to produce HJT solar cells, known for enhanced performance in hot climates. This move represents a significant step towards cleaner and more efficient solar energy production in the US. The company aims to meet domestic content requirements and strengthen the supply chain security of the US solar industry, which is thriving and outpacing fossil energy systems for new power generation capacity additions. By focusing on tandem solar cells that combine silicon and perovskites for durability and efficiency, TOYO is driving advancements in solar conversion efficiency and creating 400 direct jobs in the city.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/09/solar-cells-new-factory-texas-us-hjt-toyo/

  • Largest Solar Cell Factory In USA Starts Production in Georgia

    Qcells has opened a new solar cell manufacturing facility in Cartersville, Georgia, adding 3.3 GW of ingot, wafer, cell, and 3.5 GW of module capacity, making it the first U.S. factory to produce all major parts of a solar PV module under one roof. The company will benefit from tax credits and subsidies from the Biden administration, creating thousands of skilled manufacturing jobs and meeting the growing demand for domestically produced solar equipment. The thriving solar power industry in the United States, with Qcells expected to create nearly 4,000 direct jobs, can now power around 80 million homes. CleanTechnica provides in-depth analyses and summaries on clean energy topics, offering tips, advertising, and guest suggestions for those interested in climate solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/09/largest-solar-cell-factory-in-usa-starts-production-in-georgia/

  • Solar Energy Saves Europeans $135 Million A Day

    Europe has seen significant savings in electricity costs due to the installation of solar power, avoiding billions in fossil fuel import costs. By deploying more solar, scaling storage, and accelerating electrification, Europe can reduce the role of gas in setting electricity prices and build a more secure and affordable energy system. Spain has doubled its wind and solar capacity, reducing the influence of expensive fossil generators on electricity prices. The focus on green technology in Europe has shown the benefits of renewable energy in reducing costs and increasing energy independence. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are setting new records for energy production in countries like Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, and the UK, proving to be cheaper and faster to install compared to fossil fuels. Global energy investment is shifting towards clean energy, with more money going into renewables, nuclear, grids, storage, efficiency, and electrification, further accelerated by political decisions and global events, making them the dominant energy sources of the future.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/08/solar-energy-saves-europeans-135-million-a-day/

  • Ed Darmanin Does the Big Lap around Australia on an Electric Motorbike

    Retired electrical engineer Ed Darmanin is planning to circumnavigate mainland Australia on an electric motorcycle, becoming the first to do so. The journey will cover approximately 18,000 km through every state and territory, with detailed planning involving charging stops using GPS route planning and PlugShare. The importance of having contingency plans for electric vehicle charging stations in remote areas is emphasized, along with the use of AI in planning long-distance electric motorcycle journeys. Ed's preparations for the journey from Sydney to Brisbane showcase the impact of tyre selection on range and the practical applications of AI in route planning, highlighting the technology's potential in climate solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/08/ed-darmanin-does-the-big-lap-around-australia-on-an-electric-motorbike/

  • Happy World Ocean Day!

    The importance of marine protected areas (MPAs) in achieving the 30×30 goal of protecting 30% of the world's oceans by 2030 is highlighted, with Chile announcing its commitment to ocean protection by expanding the Juan Fernández Marine Protected Area (MPA). Efforts to restore kelp forests threatened by sea urchins and the lower genetic diversity of great white sharks in the Monterey Bay area are also discussed, along with the use of technology to study them. The overall message emphasizes the need for conservation efforts and climate control to protect the ocean ecosystem, raising awareness and advancing research, conservation, and protection of marine ecosystems.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/07/happy-world-ocean-day/

  • Waymo Sending Used EV Batteries to Community Clean Energy

    Waymo and B2U Storage Solutions have partnered to repurpose old EV batteries for grid-scale storage systems, aiming to cut CO2 emissions and pollution while supporting clean energy growth in California and Texas. By extending the use of these batteries, they are maximizing their economic and environmental value, showcasing the potential for EV batteries to contribute to a circular economy and help meet increasing energy demand. This initiative highlights Waymo's commitment to sustainability and maximizing the positive environmental impact of its all-electric fleet, demonstrating the potential for repurposed EV batteries to play a key role in climate solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/07/waymo-sending-used-ev-batteries-to-community-clean-energy/