A Dutch startup, Ore Energy, has developed iron-air batteries that can store and release electricity using a simple chemical process of rusting and de-rusting, offering a cheaper and critical mineral-free alternative to traditional lithium batteries. As Europe aims to reduce its reliance on critical mineral supply chains and increase battery production for renewable energy storage and electric vehicles, the need for long-duration storage batteries is becoming increasingly important. Companies like Ore Energy, Form Energy, Noon Energy, and E-Zinc are working on innovative long-duration energy storage technologies, with a mix of different technologies seen as necessary to support grid reliability as renewable energy sources grow. Europe must find sustainable solutions for long-duration storage to avoid overbuilding, curtailment, and backup generation challenges in transitioning to cleaner energy sources and achieving climate goals.
Author: Climatechangenews
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UN climate chief attacks “delusional” fossil fuel investments
UN climate chief Simon Stiell warns against doubling down on fossil fuels in response to spikes in oil and gas prices caused by the Iran war, emphasizing the economic irrationality of new investments compared to the benefits of renewable energy. The current crisis is seen as a crucial moment to ramp up pressure against fossil fuels and prioritize renewable energy investments. Europe's dependence on fossil fuel imports is highlighted as a vulnerability, but the rollout of new wind and solar power capacity since the Green Deal in 2019 has saved billions of euros. This shift towards renewables is crucial for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.
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Women’s leadership is key to unlocking the global phaseout of fossil fuels
Women around the world, such as Osprey Orielle Lake, Nemonte Nenquimo, and Sharon Lavigne, are leading efforts to stop fossil fuel expansion and implement just transitions. The Fossil Fuel Treaty, founded by Tzeporah Burman, is a key cornerstone for upcoming government convenings on fossil fuel phaseout. Research shows that countries with higher representation of women in parliament are more likely to ratify environmental treaties and see decreased CO2 emissions. Despite persistent gender inequality, women are indispensable leaders in climate solutions, defending land, water, climate, and health. Bold and transformative solutions are needed to address the increasing climate crisis and hold long-term warming below the critical 1.5°C threshold. An all-women team in Cape Town, South Africa is producing high-quality solar panels, highlighting the urgent need for a global phaseout of fossil fuel extraction and production, as fossil fuels are a primary driver of the climate crisis. Despite historic but nonbinding agreements to transition away from fossil fuels at the U.N. Climate Summit, implementation has been hindered. In response to stalled progress, Colombia and the Netherlands are convening the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels to advance cooperation towards a managed phaseout, recognizing women's leadership as vital in ensuring a healthy and equitable outcome in transitioning away from fossil fuels.
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How women transformed a Vanuatu community with off-grid solar
In Vanuatu, women are facing challenges to their rights, including in climate action, but are organizing in resistance and leading transformative projects like the women-led off-grid solar project in Lawital village on Tanna Island. This initiative has provided electricity to all 115 homes, improving safety, livelihoods, education, and wellbeing. Women have become primary leaders of transformation by mastering technical skills and bringing reliable solar-powered light to their community, revolutionizing education and breaking traditional barriers. The project showcases collective determination and the resilience of women in the face of climate crises, highlighting the importance of supporting women-led initiatives for sustainable change and gender equality. Sustainable funding for such movements is crucial to create lasting impact and promote the rights and empowerment of women and girls.
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South African rare earths project aims to rival Chinese with low-cost model
A rare earths mining project in South Africa, the Zandkopsdrift project, aims to challenge China's dominance in global supply chains by producing magnet rare earths and battery-grade manganese for clean energy technologies at a lower cost. The project aligns with South Africa's goal to become a key supplier of critical minerals for the clean energy transition, focusing on responsible mining practices and meeting higher standards through the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance. While promising, the untested processing route and concerns over past environmental abuses have left some locals wary of who will truly benefit from the economic promises of the project. Steps such as water-recycling systems, local procurement targets, and involving local communities in ownership are being taken to address these concerns and ensure a sustainable and responsible approach to mining critical minerals for clean energy solutions.
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Africa’s mineral wealth can make it an architect of a more just energy transition
The importance of African countries leveraging their mineral wealth, particularly critical minerals like cobalt and lithium, to assert control over their future and ensure economic development is highlighted in the section. African policymakers are encouraged to adopt common beneficiation thresholds to promote local processing of minerals before export, with examples of countries like Namibia, Ghana, and Zimbabwe implementing such measures provided. The African Union's African Mining Vision is mentioned as a way to strengthen the continent's bargaining power and prevent exploitation by foreign companies. Mineral revenues can be used to fund climate plans, but effective regulation, energy supply, infrastructure investment, and regional coordination are essential for success. Strong transparency standards under the EITI can strengthen public trust and fiscal stability, while frameworks like the AfCFTA can build cross-border value chains and move beyond aid-dependent development. Africa's mineral wealth, if governed with the right policies, transparency, and foresight, can anchor green industrialization and position Africa as a decisive architect of a more just and sustainable global order, with young people playing a key role in shaping the future.
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Pacific vows to push for more ambition if shipping deal reopens
Seven Pacific island nations are advocating for heftier levies on global shipping emissions to be included in the International Maritime Organization's Net-Zero Framework. The United States and Saudi Arabia are leading efforts to make changes to the deal, with the US threatening sanctions on non-compliant governments. Liberia's proposal for transitional fuels like natural gas and biofuels has US support, while the Pacific countries are pushing for a universal levy on all ship emissions to fund a just transition to a greener shipping industry. Greece and Cyprus initially abstained from a vote on a new shipping emissions levy, but Greece later expressed support after meetings with the US and Saudi Arabia. The International Maritime Organization warns that without a universal levy, there could be a patchwork of regional levies on pollution, making a universal levy the most credible way to meet climate goals and distribute revenues for green investments globally.
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Curbing methane is the fastest way to slow warming – but we’re off the pace
Scientists, policy makers, and leaders are gathering to discuss the urgent need to rapidly cut methane emissions, which are still rising due to human activities. The Global Methane Pledge aims for a 30% reduction in global emissions by 2030, with progress showing a potential 8% reduction if commitments are fully implemented. The key challenge lies in implementation rather than technology, with the energy sector holding the most potential for methane reduction. Immediate investment in improved landfills, circular waste systems, and new measurement tools is crucial to meet the global targets and combat climate change effectively. Leaders are urged to prioritize sustainability, implement policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, and protect natural ecosystems for a more resilient and sustainable future for the planet.
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China maximises battery recycling to shore up critical mineral supplies
China's rapid increase in electric vehicle (EV) sales has led to a surge in spent batteries, with nearly 400,000 tonnes generated last year and projected to rise to one million tonnes per year by 2030. To address this waste issue, the Chinese government has launched new policies mandating end-of-life recycling for EVs and their batteries, with manufacturers responsible for recycling. This strategy not only addresses the waste problem but also aims to secure critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese. Chinese companies like CATL's Brunp subsidiary and Botree are leading the way in battery recycling, offering higher prices to EV owners and expanding into foreign markets to meet demand.
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Africa records fastest-ever solar growth in 2025
In 2025, installations of solar power in Africa increased by 54%, with around 4.5 GW of new solar PV capacity installed. Utility-scale projects accounted for 56% of installations, while distributed solar made up 44%. The report highlighted the under-reporting of rooftop, commercial, and distributed capacity due to limited data. The need for greater investment in battery storage, grids, and power system flexibility was emphasized to improve reliability of supply and support rising energy demand. The top 10 solar markets in Africa led the capacity additions, but solar deployment is spreading to a wider group of countries, with several mid-sized and emerging markets making significant gains. Despite the rapid growth of distributed solar in Africa, financing models have not kept pace, with most clean energy finance still coming from public and development sources geared towards large projects. Private investment in clean energy has increased, but funding for smaller solar systems used by homes and businesses remains limited. Leaders in the industry estimate that up to $46 billion will be needed by 2030 to meet electrification targets in African countries. The Global Solar Council warns that misalignment between funding and market needs could slow deployment of solar energy, but aligning finance, planning, and regulation with market realities could lead to significant growth in solar capacity and economic benefits.