NewYork GreenCloud (NYGC) has acquired the Buena Vista Biomass Power facility in California to create a carbon-negative AI Factory, using biomass-to-pyrolysis energy systems to power an on-site AI factory with renewable energy. This redevelopment project serves as a blueprint for scalable, sustainable compute infrastructure, with NYGC, BucSha Energy, and Impact Capital Partners exploring additional sites for similar conversions in the future. The ultimate goal is to develop carbon-negative AI Factories powered by renewable energy systems to support next-generation GPU clusters, showcasing a promising step towards sustainable and climate-friendly computing solutions.
Tag: California
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To break its coal habit, China should look to California’s progress on batteries
Batteries are reshaping power systems in the US and China, offering a clean alternative to fossil fuel-powered peaker plants. California's battery fleet set a new record by discharging 11.2 GW during peak demand, while China plans to significantly increase battery storage capacity and reduce natural gas use by 70% by 2035. The US has seen rapid growth in battery storage, with federal policies and incentives supporting the transition away from peakers. Experts suggest that prioritizing battery storage over fossil peaker plants can accelerate clean energy goals, establish market mechanisms, and solidify global leadership in the industry. By shifting to battery storage, both countries can achieve a clean and flexible grid while reducing pollution and dependence on fossil fuels.
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Alphabet acquires clean energy developer Intersect for $4.75B
Alphabet's subsidiary Google is making strides in decarbonization by acquiring clean energy and data center infrastructure developer Intersect in a $4.75 billion deal. This acquisition will help Google combat rising emissions and prioritize decarbonizing its operational electricity consumption, with Intersect's $15 billion clean energy infrastructure portfolio in Texas and California. Google aims to halve its emissions by 2030 and run on carbon-free power 24/7, partnering with utilities and energy developers for clean power generation. The acquisition will allow Intersect to collaborate with Google on joint projects to drive innovation and leadership in the U.S. energy industry, showcasing a new approach to sustainable energy solutions.
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Scientists go global in attempt to better predict atmospheric rivers
The Atmospheric River Reconnaissance Program, a collaboration between NOAA and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, aims to improve forecasts and weather predictions for destructive weather events caused by atmospheric rivers on the West Coast. This global research effort will launch international campaigns to observe these events in Canada, Ireland, Hawaii, and California. Research flights will gather data to enhance understanding and prediction of atmospheric rivers, which have led to floods and fatalities. By improving forecasting capabilities, experts hope to mitigate the impact of these extreme weather events and enhance climate resilience.
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California water district plans up to 21 GW of solar on fallowed farmland
The Westlands Water District in California has adopted the Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan to develop up to 21 GW of solar generation on fallowed agricultural land in response to water shortages in the San Joaquin Valley. California law AB 2661 allows the district to repurpose the land for solar, storage, and transmission facilities, aiming to preserve agriculture viability and create economic opportunities for farmworkers. Stakeholder collaboration will be key in advancing project planning and implementation steps for this initiative, which seeks to address water scarcity while promoting sustainable solutions for the region's agricultural sector.
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21 Gigawatts of Solar for California Land That Can No Longer Be Used for Agriculture
The Westlands Water District in California's San Joaquin Valley is repurposing fallowed land for solar power plants, potentially generating 21 gigawatts of solar energy. California law AB 2661 authorizes the water district to develop solar generation, battery storage, and transmission facilities, with a community benefits plan in place. This initiative aims to address the region's issues with drought, limited water supply, and agricultural needs, providing a practical approach to preserving agriculture while utilizing dry, empty land for renewable energy production.
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Industrial Green Hydrogen Is Coming To Europe From The US
The emergence of industrial green hydrogen as a key player in global decarbonization is highlighted in the article, focusing on using renewable energy sources like wind and solar power to decarbonize the hydrogen supply chain. Electric Hydrogen, a Massachusetts startup, is leading the way in this space with support from major industrial stakeholders and climate tech investors. Their HYPRPlant electrolyzer production platform aims to reduce transportation and storage costs for large-scale operations, with projects in California and Texas, including the Project Roadrunner to become the largest efuels producer globally. Efforts to export green ammonia overseas and the potential for ammonia to serve as a transportation medium for green hydrogen are also discussed, showcasing US innovators' impact on global decarbonization despite federal energy policy changes.
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Environmental News Network – Spray-on Antibacterial Coating Offers New Protection for Plants Against Disease and Drought
Engineers at the University of California San Diego have developed a spray-on polymer coating to help plants resist bacterial infections and survive drought, which could strengthen global food security. Bacterial infections are a growing threat to agriculture, causing major crop losses worldwide. Rising temperatures are allowing pathogens to expand into new regions, increasing crop exposure to infections. Researchers developed an antibacterial coating that can be sprayed directly onto plant leaves to combat this challenge, offering a promising solution to enhance crop resilience and food production in the face of climate change.
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Environmental News Network – UC San Diego Launches Soil Health Center to Advance Climate Solutions, Food Security
The University of California San Diego has established the UC San Diego Soil Health Center at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in Southern California, dedicated to advancing climate solutions through soil health research, education, and outreach. The center's focus is on building and maintaining soil health to mitigate climate change, enhance food security, and boost societal resilience. By bringing together experts from different fields, the center aims to drive sustainable technology innovations, such as creating a natural soil probiotic to enhance plant growth and increase carbon storage in the soil.
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2025 Energy Year in Review: Solar and Storage Shine Through, Despite It All
In 2025, despite challenges from the Trump administration, clean energy in the United States showed significant progress. The US solar sector saw record-breaking installations, with Texas leading the way followed by California and Indiana. Solar generation and manufacturing capacity also experienced substantial growth. Energy storage installations increased by over 50%, with Texas, California, and Arizona leading the way. Overall, 2025 is projected to be the biggest year for clean power deployment in history, showcasing the potential of clean energy technologies in transforming electricity markets across the country. Solar is expected to overtake coal in some states, with commitments to clean energy goals from states like Maine and California. Affordability concerns are driving more people to recognize the benefits of solar and wind power, with decision makers and advocates pushing for policies to accelerate the transition to clean energy. Innovation, economies of scale, and international progress are making clean energy more attractive, highlighting the possibilities and long-term benefits of a clean energy economy.