The Nexus pilot project in California successfully demonstrated that installing solar panels over irrigation canals can reduce water evaporation and algae growth by 85%. This public-private partnership aimed to generate empirical data on the feasibility of deploying PV systems on active irrigation canals, showing potential operational efficiencies in canal management. The project tested various design configurations and highlighted the scalability potential of covering California's extensive canal network, which could save billions of gallons of water annually and improve water quality. This innovative solution has the potential to be a significant climate solution, offering both water conservation and renewable energy benefits.
Tag: California
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Santa Marta May Be a Game-Changing Moment
The First Conference On Transitioning Away From Fossil Fuels in Santa Marta, Colombia brought together 57 countries to discuss how to leave behind fossil fuels as the primary driver of climate change. The head of the International Energy Agency stated that the war in Iran has broken fossil fuel markets beyond repair, leading countries towards renewable energy sources. The conference focused on learning from various sectors, including businesses and Indigenous peoples, to disentangle economies and societies from fossil fuels. France released a national roadmap to phase out fossil fuels, while companies like BYD and Fortescue showcased initiatives for zero emissions. The conference emphasized the importance of individual and national actions for stronger climate action. The potential impact of the COP31 conference in November, particularly focusing on the economic power of the "coalition of the willing" countries, including California, was also discussed. These countries account for 30% of global fossil fuel consumption, and withdrawing their buying power could accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels. A follow-up conference is planned for February 2027. The concept of "climateflation" and the connection between climate change impacts and cost of living expenses were highlighted, along with the importance of renewables for stability and sovereignty. Information on upcoming events, training opportunities, and job openings in the climate and environment sector was also provided. Applications for fellowships with Pulitzer Center, Chips Quinn Reporter Fellowship, Quanta Magazine, and ProPublica were mentioned, along with a call to support Covering Climate Now.
https://coveringclimatenow.org/from-us-story/santa-marta-may-be-a-game-changing-moment/
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New Records Set in the Renewable Energy Marathon
Renewable energy is leading the way in global energy supply growth, with solar being the largest contributor in 2025. The world installed a record amount of wind and solar in 2025, with projections showing that solar, wind, and energy storage will make up the majority of new energy capacity in the coming years. This shift towards clean energy is expected to continue, phasing out fossil fuels and accelerating the transition to a clean energy future. The increase in wind generation is breaking records in California and other regions, showing the potential for continued growth in wind power. The growth of renewables is crucial in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and combating climate change.
https://blog.ucs.org/john-rogers/new-records-set-in-the-renewable-energy-marathon/
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Environmental News Network – New Method to Raise Investment Funds for Projects that Restore Coastal Wetlands for Climate Adaptation
The Center for Coastal Climate Resilience (CCCR) at the University of California, Santa Cruz, has partnered with The Nature Conservancy to develop a new tool for funding wetland conservation and restoration projects through verifiable "Coastal Resilience Assets." These assets are based on the storm and flood protection benefits provided by wetlands, such as mangroves and marshes, which play a crucial role in reducing storm damages and providing flood protection. This innovative method creates investment opportunities for nature-based adaptation projects that help reduce climate risk to people and nature, offering a promising solution for climate experts seeking effective strategies for coastal resilience.
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California’s water crisis could turn farmland into massive solar field
The Westlands Water District in California's San Joaquin Valley is planning to repurpose water-starved farmland into a massive solar-and-battery network through the Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan, aiming to add 21 gigawatts of solar and battery capacity across 136,000 acres. This project, the largest of its kind globally, will help address the water crisis, lower energy costs for farmers, and comply with new state groundwater limits. By selling solar power through the California grid, the district hopes to reduce energy costs for farmers and keep farming viable, while also providing clean electricity to the state. This innovative solution not only helps farmers adapt to changing climate conditions but also mitigates the impacts of climate change on agriculture in the region.
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Are long-promised solar perovskites finally hitting mass production?
Perovskites have the potential to significantly improve solar panel efficiency by absorbing more light than conventional silicon cells. Startup Tandem PV is working to bring this technology to commercial manufacturing with a new factory in California, aiming to increase energy production by one-third in the same physical space as regular solar panels. Their innovative approach involves using a smaller lab to test and refine their perovskite formula before scaling up production, with plans to start producing full-size panels in 2028 pending successful real-world testing. The production process of perovskite solar panels involves depositing layers of chemicals on glass, crystallizing the perovskites, and adding additional layers for electron transport and protection, all done in a highly automated manner for faster and more precise manufacturing. The ultimate goal is to produce panels that outperform those created in the lab, offering a promising solution for more efficient and sustainable energy production.
https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/solar/perovskites-mass-production-tandem-fremont
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California powers its massive water pumps with 105 solar project
California has successfully launched the 105 MW Pastoria Solar Project in Kern County to power the Edmonston Pumping Plant, a key water supply infrastructure for Southern California. Equipped with tracking technology, this project is the largest renewable energy procurement in the history of the State Water Project. By utilizing renewable energy, officials hope to stabilize water delivery costs and move towards carbon neutrality by 2035. The project also incorporates a natural gas facility and a battery storage system, and was completed with union labor, showcasing the integration of climate goals with local economic development.
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Largest US renewable project begins generating electricity
The largest renewable energy project in the US, SunZia Wind, has begun generating electricity with 916 turbines in New Mexico. The 3.5-gigawatt wind development will deliver power to California over a 550-mile transmission line, crucial for meeting the state's clean energy goals. Despite facing delays and opposition, the project is seen as a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and meeting energy demands. SunZia's integration into the grid is helping to retire polluting natural gas plants in environmental justice communities and increase renewable energy generation, surpassing other major wind projects in the US in terms of size and operational progress.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/largest-us-renewable-project-begins-generating-electricity/
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Distributed batteries get legislative, utility lift in California
Ava Community Energy launched a $11.25 million incentive program in California for residential customers to install solar and battery storage systems, allowing customers to share up to 80% of their home batteries. The program offers rebates for both income-qualified and non-income qualified customers, aiming to make electrification more affordable and maintain grid stability. California legislators are advancing a bill to update state resource adequacy rules to include distributed energy devices like residential batteries and electric vehicles, with monthly participation payments provided to customers who participate. Despite funding cuts for the Demand Side Grid Support program, a successful large battery-based virtual power plant, changes will not impact the SmartHome Battery program.
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California ocean wind power that floats is forcing engineering firsts
California is moving forward with plans for offshore wind development in Humboldt Bay, with hopes of reaching 25 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2045. The project involves the construction of floating turbines in deep waters off the coast, with challenges such as objections from local residents and opposition from the Trump administration. The state is focusing on onshore preparations and seeking partnerships with the federal government and private sector to secure funding for the project. Concerns about potential harm to the ecosystem and impacts on local communities are being debated, highlighting the need to balance the benefits of clean energy with the protection of cultural and natural resources in the area.