The Advanced Electric Machines (AEM) plant in northeastern England and Silicon Valley startup Conifer are leading the way in developing rare earth-free electric motors for electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce supply chain risks and environmental harm associated with rare earth mining. Niron Magnetics is also working on iron-based magnets to decrease manufacturing costs and dependency on Chinese rare earth supplies, with support from major automotive companies and Western governments. The US, Canada, and the European Union are investing in subsidies and research to mine and produce rare earth materials, while also exploring recycling and alternative materials to create a circular supply chain that reduces costs and environmental impact in the production of motors and other technologies.
Tag: Canada
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How to electrify greenhouses with semi-transparent PV, heat pumps
Researchers in Canada found that 69%-transparent crystalline silicon semitransparent PV modules can improve tomato greenhouse yields by up to 38% while maintaining healthy plant growth through beneficial partial shading. Combining rooftop agrivoltaics with heat pumps can fully eliminate fossil fuel heating. Various bifacial STPV technologies were tested in greenhouse conditions for tomato production, with differences in light intensity and spectrum affecting plant growth. The study, published in Energy and Buildings, evaluated agrivoltaic greenhouse systems through five main stages and used software tools to simulate and analyze different greenhouse scenarios. Experimental investigations showed that the selected 69% transparent PV system with a heat pump enabled full electrification of an agrivoltaic greenhouse, covering approximately 13% of the total annual electricity demand. This combination of agrivoltaic fields and partially-powered agrivoltaic greenhouses was seen as a synergistic strategy for sustainable and economically viable production, with the potential to reduce greenhouse carbon emissions and improve crop yields.
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Exploring Co-Benefits Certification on Tribal Lands
The NICC and ACR have collaborated to create a certification framework for carbon projects on Indigenous lands in the U.S. and Canada, focusing on co-benefits tailored to Indigenous communities. This framework considers unique aspects of projects on Tribal and First Nations lands, such as sovereignty and self-determination. Co-benefits like biodiversity conservation, water stewardship, and cultural continuity will be evaluated and integrated into the certification process, aligning with ACR's broader co-benefit certification efforts.
https://acrcarbon.org/news/exploring-co-benefits-certification-on-tribal-lands/
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Environmental News Network – Canadian Peatland Data Portal Debuts as a Landmark Tool for Climate Research and Policy
Peatlands in Canada are vital for climate action, storing more carbon than all other ecosystems combined. The Canadian Peatland Data Portal, led by Dr. Maria Strack, centralizes peatland carbon metadata to facilitate collaboration among researchers, governments, industry partners, and Indigenous communities. This national initiative aims to promote evidence-based action to protect Canada's essential climate resources by providing a single entry point for accessing diverse peatland data and promoting responsible use.
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Ontario backs 12 solar projects totaling 915 MW
Ontario has approved 12 solar projects and 2 wind projects, totaling over 1.3 GW of capacity and adding 3 TWh of new annual capacity to the grid. These projects, with at least 50% Indigenous equity ownership, will power over 350,000 homes and are awarded 20-year agreements. The procurement exercise highlights the readiness of renewable energy to meet rapid growth challenges, with solar capacity in Canada expected to reach 21 GW by the mid-2020s. Commercial operations for these projects are set to begin by May 2030.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/10/ontario-backs-12-solar-projects-totaling-915-mw/
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Major oil producers among 46 nations joining fossil fuel phase-out summit
Forty-six countries, including major oil, coal, and gas producers such as Canada, Australia, Brazil, and Norway, will attend a conference in Santa Marta to accelerate the global shift from fossil fuels. The summit aims to create an international coalition committed to ending reliance on oil, coal, and natural gas, with a focus on prioritizing science and phasing out fossil fuel production and consumption. Notably absent are the United States and Saudi Arabia, while vulnerable nations like Palau and Sierra Leone are in attendance. The outcomes of the conference will inform discussions at COP31 and provide a roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels, with campaigners seeing it as an opportunity to showcase credible transitions and build momentum for global action. Colombia views the current global energy shock as a chance to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.
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Boralex and SNGRDC commission battery storage facility in Canada
Boralex and the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation have commissioned the Hagersville Battery Energy Storage Park in Ontario, Canada, with 300MW/1.2GWh of capacity using 334 Tesla Megapack 2XL units. The project aims to stabilize the grid, support renewable energy integration, and align with Ontario's electricity system needs for decarbonization. SNGRDC now holds 1GW of battery storage capacity in North America, with additional projects in development, showcasing a significant step towards climate solutions and sustainable energy practices.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/boralex-sngrdc-commission-battery-storage/
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China rolling into U.S. backyard
Canada is making significant strides in the clean energy transition by focusing on electric vehicles (EVs), with a goal for EVs to make up 90 percent of new car sales by 2040. Africa is experiencing a surge in solar growth, led by countries like South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria. The industry is shifting towards supplier-led climate solutions, with India committing $2.4 billion to scale carbon capture solutions. A breakthrough in sodium-sulfur battery technology has made energy storage cheaper and easier to scale, while investment in next-generation geothermal energy has surpassed $2 billion. Vietnam has launched a $102 million climate finance initiative to protect forests and support climate-smart livelihoods.
https://speedandscale.com/newsletter/china-rolling-into-u-s-backyard/
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Canada, California, & Europe: Three Ways to Force EV Adoption
Canada, California, and the European Union each have distinct systems for regulating emissions from electric vehicles, with differences in compliance units, credit quantities, and monetization methods. Canada's focus on fleet average CO2 standards and tradable deficits contrasts with California's ZEV credit program and the EU's excess emissions premium. Despite these variations, all three systems drive manufacturers towards electrification and require adjustments in sales mix to meet compliance. The article underscores the importance of regulatory design in shaping capital flows and emissions outcomes, emphasizing the need for continuous progress in addressing climate challenges. Additionally, it encourages support for CleanTechnica and offers engagement opportunities for readers.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/14/canada-california-europe-three-ways-to-force-ev-adoption/
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The Hydrogen Stream: Verna completes first two hydrogen pilot wells in Canada
Vema Hydrogen has completed two pilot hydrogen wells in Quebec, Canada, while Advait Greenergy and InSolare Energy are progressing on hydrogen projects in India. Canada and South Korea are discussing potential collaboration in auto manufacturing for Hyundai/Kia in Canada, with a focus on hydrogen energy. The University of Cagliari and the Indian Institute of Technology are collaborating on a research project on hydrogen energy systems. Hiringa Energy has reached Financial Close on the Kapuni Project in New Zealand, integrating wind, industrial renewable electricity supply, and green hydrogen production at scale. These developments highlight the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar power, to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Policy support and investment in renewable energy technologies are crucial to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels and meet global electricity demand with clean energy solutions.