Climate Change Solutions Update

Author: Cleantechnica

  • Blue State Steps Up To Save Farmers With Solar Power

    New Jersey has launched a Dual-Use Pilot program to demonstrate the benefits of agrivoltaics, combining solar power and farming to maximize land use efficiency and provide new revenue streams for farmers. Rutgers University is leading the initiative, aiming to install 200 megawatts of solar power on farmland. Despite challenges like navigating state incentives and land conservation regulations, the program could lead to more farms adopting solar power in New Jersey. The state's innovative approach to solar development, including rooftop capacity and emerging trends like gas station and balcony solar, is helping progress towards renewable energy goals. Dual-use solar power offers a promising solution to support farmers and generate additional revenue while addressing the shrinking farm size in New Jersey.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/23/blue-state-steps-up-to-save-us-farms-with-solar-power/

  • First Fixed-Bottom Offshore Wind Project Auctions In The Philippines Secured

    The Philippines is making a strong commitment to building a commercial offshore wind industry, with a focus on fixed-bottom technology. The Green Energy Auction Program Round 5 (GEA-5) is set to release the country's national pipeline by the end of the year, positioning the Philippines as a rising force in Asia's clean energy transition. The auction, focused on 3.3 gigawatts of fixed-bottom capacity, aims to move projects into construction sooner and deliver utility-scale clean power with fewer technical uncertainties. The strategy supports the country's push for dependable renewable generation and long-term energy security and climate goals. The government's structured approach and clear roadmap have the potential to make the Philippines one of the fastest advancing offshore wind markets in Asia, attracting global capital and supporting local industry growth.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/23/first-fixed-bottom-offshore-wind-project-auctions-in-the-philippines-secured/

  • Kiira Motors Kayoola Electric Coach Embarks On A 13,000km Trip From Uganda To South Africa

    Uganda's Kiira Motors Corporation is embarking on a 30-day journey across six African nations to showcase their new electric coach, the Kayoola Electric Coach 13M, with a 500 km range and top speed of 100 km/hr. The expedition aims to demonstrate the reliability and scalability of locally-designed technology for long-distance travel and promote African solutions for climate action and industrial growth. Electric road trips across several countries are becoming more feasible with the increasing investment in charging infrastructure and the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), showcasing the potential of African innovation in sustainable transportation. The project highlights the endless roads, landscapes, and natural environments of South Africa, as well as the diverse mix of cultures and interests in the country, proving the viability of EVs for travel in the region.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/21/kiira-motors-kayoola-electric-coach-embarks-on-a-13000km-trip-from-uganda-to-south-africa/

  • BYD Gets About Twenty Patents a Day, Adding up to 50,000 Technologies Already Authorized

    BYD Philippines is a vertically integrated conglomerate with a strong focus on electric vehicles, solar energy, and battery technology. The company's extensive patent portfolio and deep vertical integration allow for control over supply chain and costs, ensuring quality and value for customers. BYD's Blade Battery and e-Platform 3.0 showcase advancements in safety, performance, and integration of key components. Additionally, the company's involvement in solar energy and battery storage systems further solidifies its position as a leader in clean energy solutions, offering a comprehensive approach to zero-emission energy solutions across various sectors.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/20/byd-gets-about-twenty-patents-a-day-adding-up-to-50000-technologies-already-authorized/

  • Kia Reveals New PV5 Chassis Cab

    Kia has unveiled its new PV5 Chassis Cab, part of its modular Platform Beyond Vehicle electric fleet lineup, at the SOLUTRANS 2025 event in Lyon, France. The model offers a modern, sleek design and is designed for electrification, efficiency, and conversion flexibility, supporting a range of professional conversions. With a range of up to 416 kilometers and fast charging capabilities, the PV5 Chassis Cab includes advanced driver assistance systems, a 7-year warranty, and an Android OS infotainment system. Kia also provides a comprehensive charging network and solutions for home and depot charging, aiming to help cities accelerate climate action by promoting zero-emissions transportation policies and meet the needs of businesses with flexibility for future demands.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/18/kia-reveals-new-pv5-chassis-cab/

  • African Nations Promote Locally Produced Solar Panels

    African countries, including Nigeria, are taking steps to lead the renewable energy revolution by investing in local clean energy design labs, research hubs, and manufacturing facilities. Nigeria has signed deals with Chinese manufacturers to build solar panel production factories and is aiming to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels by generating 30% of its electricity from renewables by 2030. Companies like Salpha Energy in Nigeria are already manufacturing solar systems and electric products, showcasing Africa's ability to produce and export green technologies. With the help of expertise transfer from Chinese companies, African nations are ramping up production and moving towards a future powered by renewable energy.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/17/african-nations-promote-locally-produced-solar-panels/

  • Europe’s Affordable Car Project Needs to Put the Va Va Voom into Small EVs

    The EU is considering a "small affordable car initiative" to benefit consumers and the domestic car industry by focusing on small, affordable electric vehicles. The initiative aims to address the challenges of consumer affordability and industry competitiveness in the EV transition. Demand for small electric cars is high but uptake remains low due to limited options and higher upfront costs. European carmakers are preparing to launch new small BEV models to meet this demand and potentially boost production volumes back to pre-Covid levels. The initiative could lead to the sale of up to 1.5 million additional small EVs in the EU annually and create around 120,000 new jobs. The Small Affordable Electric Vehicle (SAEV) strategy aims to make clean mobility more accessible by producing compact electric cars in Europe with European-made batteries, targeting a price range of €15,000–€20,000 to put electric vehicles on par with small combustion cars. The strategy involves launching an Affordable EV Platform using ETS2 revenues to support the production of small electric cars in Europe, emphasizing the need for reforms in car labelling, favorable tax treatment, and targeted purchase support to make small EVs more affordable for low and middle-income drivers.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/17/europes-affordable-car-project-needs-to-put-the-va-va-voom-into-small-evs/

  • One Of The Largest Solar Power Installations In Colombia Just Launched

    Atlas Renewable Energy has launched the Shangri-La solar project in Colombia, boasting a capacity of 201 MW and ranking as one of the country's largest solar facilities. This project can power over 214,000 Colombian families annually while offsetting nearly 161,000 tons of CO2 emissions. The 18-month construction phase created over 2,100 jobs, with 22% of the workforce being women, showcasing a commitment to inclusive growth. This investment in solar power aligns with Colombia's growing emphasis on renewable energy solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/15/one-of-the-largest-solar-power-installations-in-colombia-launched/

  • New Sodium-Ion Batteries Threaten The US Coal Recovery Plan

    Peak Energy, a US startup, is leading the way in sodium-ion battery technology, offering advantages over lithium-ion systems in terms of cost, supply chain security, scale, and safety. Partnering with Jupiter Power, they are set to build the world's largest sodium-ion battery energy storage system, delivering a 720-megawatt system in 2027. This development comes as coal power plants in the US face challenges from falling costs of renewable energy and energy storage systems, leading to scheduled retirements. The shift towards cleaner energy sources is driven by factors such as grid conditions, rising electricity demand, and the need for more reliable and cost-effective energy solutions, highlighting the potential for reliable and economical energy storage systems to support the transition to renewable energy in the US.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/15/coal-killing-sodium-ion-energy-storage-is-coming-to-kill-your-coal-power-plants/

  • Used EVs Pull New Duty As Guardians Of The Grid

    The article discusses the benefits of purchasing used EVs, highlighting potential savings, grid balancing opportunities, and revenue generation through bidirectional charging. Newer EV models with higher driving ranges are retaining their value better than older models, debunking concerns over battery degradation. The inclusion of bidirectional charging technology in more EVs is expanding possibilities for using them as power generation stations to support local grids. A microgrid pilot project at Redwood Coast Airport in California is utilizing older Nissan Leafs to increase renewable energy, cut electricity costs, and participate in California's Emergency Load Reduction Program. The growing appeal of used EVs in the market is helping fortify US automakers and promote grid resiliency and mobility.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/14/used-evs-pull-new-duty-as-guardians-of-the-grid/