Climate Change Solutions Update

Author: Cleantechnica

  • Peak Fuel Cell Bus Deliveries in the EU Occurred in 2025

    Battery-electric buses are dominating new city bus registrations across the EU, surpassing expectations. However, Germany still has a 9% fuel cell bus share in 2024 and 2025, while the EU as a whole is around 4%. The presence of hydrogen buses in the data is due to procurement lag and decisions made years ago. The Netherlands, on the other hand, has transitioned to 100% zero-emission buses, primarily battery-electric, despite still showing roughly 4% fuel cell buses in 2025. The article suggests that Germany is lagging behind other European countries in acquiring battery electric buses due to a focus on hydrogen, and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing battery electric buses over hydrogen buses for more effective climate solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/21/peak-fuel-cell-bus-deliveries-in-the-eu-occurred-in-2025/

  • 1854 Motors Picks Up The Electric Pickup Torch Dropped By Tesla

    Several US startups, including 1854 Motors, are focusing on electric pickup trucks to sustain the vehicle electrification movement following Tesla's Cybertruck flop. 1854 Motors is banking on sodium-ion batteries to release EVs from ethical and environmental complications associated with the cobalt supply chain, targeting socially conscious early adopters. The Pierce electric truck, powered by Na-ion batteries, offers advantages over traditional Li-ion batteries such as better performance in cold weather, longer lifespan, and lower cost. Inspired by the 1987 Chevrolet El Camino, the Pierce aims to dominate cold climate markets in the US with its sleek design. This development comes as Elon Musk faces troubles with controversial features in his ventures, highlighting concerns about privacy and ethics in technology.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/21/cultural-architects-trojan-horses-and-another-ev-startup-to-challenge-tesla/

  • Battery Storage System Replaces Wastewater Facility Diesel Generator

    Viridi's recent replacement of a diesel backup generator with a battery energy storage system at a wastewater facility in New York State highlights the cost-saving benefits and improved reliability of such systems. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) like Viridi's offer municipalities a cleaner, lower-maintenance alternative to diesel generators, with federal and state incentives further reducing capital costs. As cities and towns prioritize resilience and budget predictability, the shift towards battery-based systems is expected to accelerate, especially in populated areas. CleanTechnica provides in-depth analyses on clean tech topics, offering insights on the growing trend towards sustainable energy solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/20/battery-storage-system-replaces-wastewater-facility-diesel-generator/

  • Taxing Fossil Fuel Profits

    A new study recommends implementing profit-based taxes on fossil fuel companies in the EU to finance the energy transition, protect consumers, and support energy savings and electrification. The goal is to redirect capital towards clean energy, strengthen Europe's energy security, and achieve climate goals. Measures include introducing a differentiated corporate tax framework, extending taxation of windfall profits, and establishing an EU-level methodology to monitor price pass-through. Additionally, there is a focus on protecting workers in the fossil fuel sector and recycling revenues from fossil fuel profit taxes into the energy transition to discourage further fossil fuel expansion and promote the transition to clean energy.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/20/taxing-fossil-fuel-profits/

  • Battery Storage System Replaces Wastewater Facility Diesel Generator

    I apologize for the inconvenience, but without the specific content of the article, I am unable to provide a summary. If you can provide the key points or details from the article, I would be happy to help craft a succinct paragraph focusing on climate solutions for climate experts.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/19/battery-storage-system-replaces-wastewater-facility-diesel-generator/

  • Solar Power Used To Charge An EV In The Sub-Arctic

    A pilot project in the sub-Arctic successfully used off-grid solar power to charge an electric Subaru, challenging the notion that solar panels only work in hot climates. The portable solar panels and EV charger demonstrated the potential for clean energy solutions in extreme climates, with the technology being versatile enough to charge electric snowmobiles, e-bikes, ATVs, and motorcycles. The local indigenous communities in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions are interested in sustainable transportation and clean energy, driven by their environmental ethic and the challenges of climate change. This project's success highlights the potential for off-grid solar charging in extreme climates and signifies a shift towards green technology.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/19/solar-power-used-to-charge-an-ev-in-the-sub-arctic/

  • Uber Putting $100 Million into EV Charging for Robotaxis

    Uber is investing $100 million in EV charging infrastructure for robotaxis in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, and Dallas, partnering with companies like Waymo, WeRide, Waabi, and Nuro to deploy autonomous vehicles. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi sees this as a multitrillion-dollar opportunity for Uber, focusing on growth investments in self-driving vehicles/robotaxis. CleanTechnica's newsletters feature cleantech stories and affiliate links, with a comment policy in place.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/18/uber-putting-100-million-into-ev-charging-for-robotaxis/

  • Asia-Pacific Takes The Lead In Global Wind Expansion As The Philippines Moves Into The Investment Spotlight

    The Asia-Pacific region, particularly the Philippines, is experiencing rapid growth in the wind industry, with the Global Wind Energy Council predicting a record 150 gigawatts of new wind capacity by 2025. This growth is crucial for meeting climate targets, as well as for industrial strategy, energy security, and economic development. The Philippines is making progress in regulatory clarity and infrastructure development, positioning itself as a promising market in Southeast Asia. The focus on aligning governments, developers, manufacturers, and financiers around concrete project pipelines is essential for the successful expansion of the wind industry, with a need for one million wind technicians by 2025-2030. Strengthening global advocacy and coordination for offshore wind projects in emerging markets like the Philippines is seen as a key strategy for attracting large-scale capital and further driving the growth of the wind industry in the region.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/18/asia-pacific-takes-the-lead-in-global-wind-expansion-as-the-philippines-moves-into-the-investment-spotlight/

  • The End Game Economics of Maritime Fuels

    The sections discuss the economics and competitiveness of various cleaner energy sources in the maritime industry, such as electrified marine battery systems, biofuels, and hybridization. They highlight the importance of factors like carbon pricing, feedstock availability, and policy interventions in shaping the transition to a low-carbon economy. The analysis shows that as demand for traditional fuels decreases, the cost of marine fuels is likely to increase, emphasizing the need for cleaner energy sources to combat climate change. The sections also touch on the cost-effectiveness of electrification and the potential benefits of partial electrification for vessels in Emission Control Areas. Additionally, the importance of electricity policy reform and mandates for deep decarbonization in the maritime industry is emphasized.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/16/the-end-game-economics-of-maritime-fuels/

  • The Evolution Of The US Floating Solar Industry

    The US floating solar industry is growing, with companies like AccuSolar and Noria leading the way in innovative projects and technology. Opportunities for floating solar projects are abundant, including reservoirs, irrigation ponds, and industrial sites. Research shows that careful site selection can minimize habitat conflicts and benefit aquatic life, making floating solar a promising way to increase clean energy capacity while conserving land. Leveraging existing water-based industries and improvements in solar conversion efficiency are key pathways for growth in the US floating solar industry. Contact CleanTechnica for advertising opportunities or to suggest a guest for their podcast, as they provide daily newsletters with 15 new cleantech stories a day.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/16/the-evolution-of-the-us-floating-solar-industry/