Three US states around the Gulf of Mexico, including Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, are collaborating on repurposing offshore oil and gas platforms for green hydrogen and aquaculture projects. The initiative, supported by former Louisiana Governor Jon Bel Edwards, aims to transform the oil and gas industry into a more sustainable and prosperous sector by integrating renewable energy, aquaculture, mineral recovery, and ocean monitoring. A $20 million project funded by the Gulf Research Program, involving the University of Houston, is working towards repurposing inactive wells, pipelines, and platforms in the Gulf for economic and environmental benefits, with a goal of having five operational platforms by 2030. The project is part of a larger effort to address the importance of locally produced renewable energy and the narrowing cost gap between green hydrogen and conventional hydrogen, with defense suppliers like Rheinmetall planning to build green hydrogen facilities across Europe. CleanTechnica provides detailed analyses and summaries on clean tech news, highlighting the potential for repurposing offshore oil and gas infrastructure for green hydrogen production.
Tag: Europe
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WindEurope’s 10-point plan to boost wind power in face of Iran energy crisis
WindEurope has released a 10-point plan to increase wind power deployment in Europe and reduce reliance on oil and gas, aiming to address the energy crisis caused by the conflict in Iran. The focus is on transitioning to renewable energy sources like wind power to mitigate the impact of geopolitical tensions on energy security. The plan outlines strategies to accelerate the growth of wind energy in Europe and promote sustainability in the face of global challenges, emphasizing the importance of renewable energy solutions in addressing current energy crises.
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Stegra lands funding to complete world’s first major green-steel mill
Stegra has secured 1.4 billion euros in funding to complete its green-steel mill in northern Sweden, utilizing green hydrogen to significantly decrease carbon emissions. The project's goal is to decarbonize Europe's industrial sector and pioneer lower-emissions technology. The facility will initially produce 2.5 million metric tons of steel annually, with intentions to double production in the future. Despite previous financial challenges and delays, Stegra is now accelerating construction activities and anticipates commencing steel production within 18 to 24 months.
https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/green-steel/stegra-funding-complete-mill
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Mova unveils all-in-one plug-in solar and storage solutions
In 2026, Mova will release the LumeGret series featuring smart tariff optimization, compatibility with smart meters, and the innovative FluxCharge direct EV charging concept. With a focus on clean solar energy, the product offers a 2.5 kW charging capacity for maximum efficiency. Available in Europe in Q2 2026, the entry price is around €1,000, making it an accessible option for those seeking sustainable solutions for electric vehicle charging.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/15/mova-unveils-all-in-one-plug-in-solar-and-storage-solutions/
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‘Motherhood further shaped my leadership perspective’
Margarita Licht, Product Manager at Goldbeck Solar, emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives and cognitive styles in the solar and energy storage sector for smarter solutions and effective problem-solving. Energy storage within the solar sector requires multi-disciplinary thinking to address complex challenges like grid balancing and battery optimization. Inclusion and diversity in teams lead to better outcomes, as different backgrounds bring unique approaches to problem-solving. Licht's leadership perspective, shaped by motherhood, highlights the need for diversity in cognitive styles to enhance decision-making processes and drive meaningful impact in the industry. She focuses on creating inclusive environments that value individual strengths and enable different perspectives to contribute to valuable solutions. The article also discusses the importance of aligning technical and commercial decisions at all levels to deliver sustainable infrastructure and reliable energy solutions, with a focus on the participation of women industry leaders and experts at Women in Solar+ Europe, including Margarita Licht.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/03/motherhood-further-shaped-my-leadership-perspective/
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DIY plug-in solar shows $0.65/W potential in US market
The emergence of plug-in solar power offers a way for renters and apartment dwellers to cut their utility bills with solar energy. The technology allows for easy installation by amateurs and can be plugged into existing outlets. While regulations around plug-in solar are not clearly defined in many places, the market is growing, with Europe serving as a model for the US. Kits are available for purchase, with prices reflecting a mature and active market. The section also discusses the challenges and solutions encountered during the installation of DIY solar panels, highlighting the potential for cost-effective solutions in the solar energy market.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/30/diy-plug-in-solar-shows-0-65-w-potential-in-us-market/
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An Update On Electric Vehicle Batteries And Innovations In The Sector
The Republican-controlled US Congress rescinded a $7,500 federal EV tax credit, causing an initial drop in EV sales, but the US/Israel war against Iran has reignited demand for electric vehicles. Innovations in the EV battery sector, such as BYD's cell-to-body architecture, are driving rising consumer interest in EVs. Forecasts predict plummeting battery prices will make battery EVs cheaper than traditional vehicles in Europe within two to four years. Automakers are shifting to LFP batteries to avoid supply chain complexities and improve performance, while research is ongoing for massless and solid-state EV batteries. There is a growing market for used EV batteries to be repurposed for energy storage, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for new mining of key minerals. Recycling EV batteries is crucial for a sustainable transportation system, with a focus on high mineral recovery rates and low environmental impact. Misinformation about EVs can hinder the transition to electric mobility, but advancements in battery technology and management systems are improving the longevity and performance of EV batteries. Real-world driving habits can significantly impact the lifespan of EV batteries, with proper use potentially extending their longevity by about a third. Researchers have found that actual driving situations can help extend the life of electric vehicle batteries, such as frequent acceleration, braking, and letting the batteries rest for hours at a time. Charging the vehicle with a low to medium charge level for long parking periods also decreases battery aging rates. The US Department of Energy is focusing on a Made-in-the-USA solution called DLE (Direct Lithium Extraction) using geothermal brine. In July 2023, the agency awarded funds to 10 innovators in the DLE field, including EnergyX, with a $5 million award.
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Rust-powered batteries could help crack Europe’s energy storage gap
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.
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Why technical due diligence is becoming the backbone of Europe’s solar-storage boom
The European energy transition is accelerating with the growth of hybrid solar-plus-storage projects, which are becoming more complex and require rigorous technical due diligence to ensure reliability, investor confidence, and a resilient clean-energy transition. SolarPower Europe has developed new guidelines for these projects, integrating environmental and social governance, supply chain sustainability, cybersecurity, and financial risk analysis. Technical due diligence is crucial for earning trust in asset performance and ensuring a resilient, bankable, and sustainable clean-energy future in Europe.
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Dennis Schroeder / Department of Energy 16 Mar 2026 UN Climate Chief in Brussels: fossil fuel dependency is ripping away national security and sovereignty, but renewables turn the tables UN Climate Speech
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell emphasizes the negative impacts of fossil fuel dependency on national security, sovereignty, and economies, advocating for a shift to renewable energy for a more cost-effective, secure, and sustainable solution. Europe has a unique opportunity to lead in climate action and attract investment by embracing green growth, transitioning away from fossil fuels, upgrading grids, and supporting the Emissions Trading Scheme. The EU has been driving ambition at COPs and urges continued support for the process, with significant commitments made at COP30 and plans to continue progress at COP31 in Türkiye. Companies are coming to COPs to secure agreements that tackle the climate crisis and benefit their bottom lines, while the EU is building new partnerships to invest in value chains in partner countries and strengthen alliances for peace and prosperity in the face of climate change.