Climate Change Solutions Update

Tag: China

  • Al Gore on 20 Years of Progress and the Work Ahead

    Climate solutions experts are focusing on initiatives like the Speed & Scale Action Plan and Global Week of Action to shape the world in the next 20 years, with a key strategy being the transition to electric vehicles. Ferrari's unveiling of the Luce, wind and solar energy outpacing natural gas, and China's pledge to buy deforestation-free beef all point towards the potential for renewables and sustainable practices. The Niño weather pattern strengthening, Denver's move to reduce carbon emissions, and Microsoft's commitment to carbon removals highlight the urgent need for climate action. Investment in renewable energy financing is expected to increase, while challenges remain in scaling climate-friendly alternatives and achieving energy independence.

    https://speedandscale.com/newsletter/al-gore-on-20-years-of-progress-and-the-work-ahead/

  • View article, Scientists achieve 27% efficiency in a co-deposited inverted perovskite, Scientists in China have developed a new technique to prevent self-assembled molecules from clumping together and degrading co-deposited inverted perovskite cells. The approach enabled the highest certified power conversion efficiency reported for the architecture.

    Researchers from China have developed a novel approach to improve the performance of co-deposited inverted perovskite solar cells by addressing the issue of self-aggregation of self-assembled molecules (SAMs). They designed an asymmetric SAM, PhBr-4PACz, to suppress aggregation and promote SAM accumulation at the bottom interface, enhancing adhesion and coverage. Additionally, they introduced a grain-boundary crosslinking additive, AVIMCl, to improve device stability by suppressing SAM diffusion. The research resulted in a certified power conversion efficiency of 27.03% in co-deposited inverted devices, the highest reported for this architecture to date. The approach also demonstrated versatility by achieving high efficiencies on different substrates and device architectures. Chen and his team are working on a co-deposition strategy to improve the efficiency of solar modules by suppressing SAM diffusion and optimizing crosslinking, with plans to scale this strategy to large-area modules and adapt it to industrial coating techniques. Collaboration with scientists from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Shandong Normal University contributed to the study, aiming to increase open-circuit voltage and reduce recombination losses through further optimization of the SAM and crosslinker.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/03/scientists-achieve-27-efficiency-in-a-co-deposited-inverted-perovskite/

  • Storing renewables with compressed air in urban heating pipeline

    Researchers in China have developed a heating pipeline compressed-air energy storage (HP-CAES) concept that repurposes urban district heating networks for storing surplus renewable electricity. The system stores compressed air and recovered compression heat within existing pipelines, improving efficiency and reducing infrastructure requirements. The method allows for simultaneous heating and energy storage functions without complex modifications, enabling widespread application in urban heating networks. The HP-CAES system was designed using thermodynamic modeling and simulations, with a total compressed-air storage volume of 38,334.69 m3 in three pipeline sections. A study compared an adiabatic compressed air energy storage (HP-CAES) system using a heating pipeline as storage with a metal tank-compressed air energy storage (MT-CAES) system. The HP-CAES system showed higher energy storage density and efficiency, especially when using sliding pressure mode. Optimizing pressure ranges and stage numbers is crucial for balancing energy efficiency, storage density, and ecological performance. The HP-CAES system also had lower investment costs and shorter payback periods compared to the MT-CAES system, making it a favorable option for urban heating networks.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/26/storing-renewables-with-compressed-air-in-urban-heating-pipeline/

  • China solar exports hit all-time record in March as Africa, Asia demand jumps

    In March 2026, China exported a record volume of solar components, totaling 68 gigawatts in solar capacity, as fossil fuel prices rose and tax rebates for clean technology ended. This surge in demand led to 50 countries setting all-time records for Chinese solar imports, with African nations experiencing a significant increase in demand. Despite China's decision to end tax rebates, African countries are continuing to rapidly expand their solar energy capacity, with prices expected to rise but not reverse the clean energy transition. Asian nations, including India, also increased their imports of Chinese solar components, reflecting a global trend towards solar energy adoption.

    https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/05/china-solar-exports-hit-all-time-record-in-march-as-africa-asia-demand-jumps/

  • Electric car sales race ahead in SE Asia and Latin America amid oil supply crisis

    Global electric car sales are expected to reach 23 million this year, accounting for 28% of total car sales, with nearly 30% of cars sold being electric. The war in Iran has led to soaring petrol and diesel prices, prompting drivers to turn to electric vehicles as a cheaper alternative. Sales of battery electric cars and plug-in hybrids have seen significant growth in Asian countries outside of China, Latin America, and Europe. In Europe, one in three cars sold this year is projected to be electric, while in China, monthly sales have grown to over 60% of total car sales. Sales are also expected to rise by more than 50% in Asian countries and 45% in Latin America this year. The energy crisis caused by the Middle East war has highlighted the benefits of driving an electric car, leading to potential growth in EV sales. The road transport sector is the largest consumer of oil, and governments' response to soaring oil prices could shape the global car market. Electric vehicles are now seen as an alternative to oil dependence for transport, with a quarter of all new cars sold in 2025 being electric. Southeast Asia, heavily dependent on fuel imports, has seen spectacular growth in electric car sales in response to the energy crisis. Countries in the region are expanding EV tax incentives and implementing supportive policies to boost EV sales. In 2025, Chinese carmakers dominated the electric vehicle market, with technological advances and cheaper prices driving EV deployment in China. Nearly 40% of new car sales in Vietnam were electric, surpassing levels seen in most European countries. The cost of owning an electric truck in China is now competitive with owning a diesel one, leading to a doubling of the electric truck market in just two years. Cheaper EVs from China have led to a doubling of car exports in 2025, with Chinese automakers manufacturing 60% of electric cars sold worldwide. Intense competition domestically in China is pushing electric car manufacturers to seek export opportunities overseas.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/05/20/electric-car-sales-race-ahead-in-se-asia-and-latin-america-amid-oil-supply-crisis/

  • A detailed look at offshore wind in the US and globally

    President Trump's decision to halt offshore wind projects in the U.S. contradicts the global trend of embracing offshore wind as a clean energy solution. Despite this, the U.S. has three operational offshore wind farms and more in development, with China leading the world in offshore wind capacity. Projects like Vineyard Wind and Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind are crucial for producing clean energy and saving customers money on electricity bills. The financial impact of halting these projects includes a $10 billion loss in jobs and investments, as well as missed energy savings for ratepayers. Offshore wind development has brought $25.5 billion in investments to the U.S. and supports 18,000 jobs in the industry.

    https://apnews.com/article/offshore-wind-energy-climate-trump-b8be5561c56d8932ef97fcbec9062fe1

  • Datang plans 14.6 GW renewables cluster in China

    A massive renewable energy complex is planned in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to deliver clean electricity to Jiangsu province. The project, led by Datang (Ordos) Energy Development Co., Ltd., includes 8 GW of solar, 4 GW of wind, 2.04 GW/8.16 GWh of energy storage, and 2.64 GW of coal-fired power, with a total installed capacity of 14.64 GW and a planned investment of about CNY 58.1 billion. Scheduled for phased development from 2026 to 2030, the project aims to reduce renewable curtailment to below 1%, with the first batch of wind and solar capacity expected to be connected to the grid in 2027. By 2030, the project is expected to deliver over 40 TWh of electricity annually to Jiangsu, with renewable power accounting for more than 60% of the total.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/14/datang-plans-14-6-gw-renewables-cluster-in-china/

  • Solar farms can help to regenerate land while generating energy, new study finds

    A new study analyzing 147 individual studies has shown that solar farms have regenerative effects on degraded land by reducing wind speeds, lowering surface and soil temperatures, and increasing soil moisture. Solar power was found to have positive impacts on the environment compared to fossil fuels, with solar farms significantly reducing wind speeds and albedo across different surface types. The majority of solar farms studied were located in arid climate conditions, with the largest number in China, the United States, and India. Solar farms were also found to significantly reduce soil temperature by 2.42°C and increase soil water content by 38.60%, particularly on cropland and grassland. These findings highlight the potential of solar farms to positively influence soil conditions in agricultural and grassland areas.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/solar-farms-can-help-to-regenerate-land-while-generating-energy-new-study-finds/

  • Firm solar and storage costs fall to $54/MWh, says IRENA

    IRENA's new report highlights the economic and strategic advantages of round-the-clock solar and wind paired with battery storage, showing that they are cheaper than new fossil fuel generation in high-quality resource regions. Firm levelized costs of electricity for solar-plus-storage range from $54/MWh to $82/MWh, compared to $70/MWh to $85/MWh for new coal in China and over $100/MWh for new gas globally. The decreasing capital costs have made dispatchable "anytime" solar electricity commercially viable in regions with high PV potential, allowing for more reliable and consistent renewable energy generation. These advancements in renewable energy systems emphasize their reliability, resilience, and ability to optimize grid connections while reducing price volatility, making them key solutions in the fight against climate change.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/06/firm-solar-and-storage-costs-fall-to-54-mwh-says-irena/

  • Electric Garbage Trucks Are The Heavy-Duty EV Story Hiding In Plain Sight

    The transition to electric garbage trucks is gaining momentum, with early fleets becoming contract-scale deployments for some operators. China is leading in sanitation-vehicle volumes compared to Western countries. While electric garbage trucks won't solve all municipal fleet emissions, they are a clear solution for heavy-duty electrification. Municipalities should skip the demonstration phase and move directly to early fleets, as battery electric heavy compactor garbage trucks are proven technology. The transition will happen gradually, one depot, one route, and one replacement cycle at a time, ultimately reducing noise and emissions in communities.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/25/electric-garbage-trucks-are-the-heavy-duty-ev-story-hiding-in-plain-sight/