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.
Tag: India
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Solar surge kept fossil electricity flat in 2025 as China and India made ‘historic’ shift
In 2025, a record surge in clean power met all global electricity demand growth, with solar leading the expansion by meeting around 75% of new electricity demand alone. This shift, largely driven by China and India, outpaced electricity demand growth and led to declines in fossil generation in both countries for the first time this century. The rise in clean generation slightly exceeded demand growth, pushing fossil generation down by 0.2%. UN Climate Change head Simon Stiell emphasized the risks of fossil fuel dependence amid disruptions in global oil and gas supplies due to the war in the Middle East, urging nations to accelerate the shift towards clean energy to enhance national security, economic stability, and reduce exposure to fossil fuel imports and costs. Stiell highlighted that clean energy is cheaper, safer, and faster-to-market compared to fossil fuels, which are causing chaos in volatile energy markets.
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Royal Enfield Launches The Flying Flea, Its First Electric Motorcycle
Royal Enfield has launched the Flying Flea C6, its first electric model, featuring a lightweight design, powerful motor, and lithium-ion battery with air-cooled thermal management. The company plans to introduce more electric two-wheelers with a city-by-city rollout strategy and offers a Battery-as-a-Service model to reduce upfront costs. The C6 includes advanced features like lean-angle sensing traction control, cornering ABS, a touchscreen, and wireless phone charging, catering to tech-forward urban commuters. With a commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, Royal Enfield aims to lead the premium electric two-wheeler segment in India and global markets, marking a shift towards sustainable urban mobility.
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Adani launches 1GW HVDC link in Mumbai, India
Adani Energy Solutions has launched a 1GW HVDC transmission link in Mumbai, India, to bolster grid stability and energy security. The project features a 30km overhead line and a 50km underground corridor, along with compact HVDC substations tailored for urban areas. By enabling higher electricity intake from external sources, the link reduces dependence on local generation and lowers the risk of outages. Utilizing VSC-based HVDC technology allows for precise power flow control and enhanced voltage stability, facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources into urban grids and enhancing grid resilience. This initiative represents a significant stride towards a cleaner and more robust energy future for Mumbai.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/adani-launches-1gw-hvdc-link-mumbai/
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Premier Energies begins trial production at 5.6GW solar facility
Premier Energies has expanded their solar module manufacturing capacity to 11.1GW with a new facility in Telangana, India, featuring advanced technology and employing 2,000 people. The company's use of TOPCon technology and zero busbar architecture aligns with India's renewable energy goals and supports the growth of the country's solar manufacturing sector. In addition to domestic projects, Premier Energies has secured contracts to supply solar power systems in Benin, West Africa, contributing to the government's initiative to increase access to clean energy. This development highlights the company's commitment to sustainable solutions and the global transition towards renewable energy sources.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/premier-energies-trial-production-solar/
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Adani Green commissions 951 MW solar, hybrid capacity in India
Adani Green Energy Ltd. has recently commissioned 951 MW of solar and hybrid capacity in western India, specifically in Baiya, Rajasthan and Khavda, Gujarat. With 926 MW of solar and 25 MW of hybrid projects now operational, AGEL's total renewable generation capacity has reached 18,933.3 MW. These new projects have begun commercial operations and power generation as of March 30, 2026, contributing significantly to India's renewable energy goals and the fight against climate change.
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World Bank arm bucks Trump to back electric ferries
The World Bank's International Finance Corp. is investing in Candela Technology to bring electric hydrofoiling ferries to developing countries, in contrast to the US's fossil-fuel-focused approach. The investment aims to reduce upfront costs for potential customers in Latin America and India, with a focus on boosting sales of eco-friendly ferries. The support from IFC could fund a leasing company or provide low-interest loans, with CEO Gustav Hasselskog praising the support as "massive." This move highlights a shift towards sustainable transportation solutions in emerging economies.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/world-bank-arm-bucks-trump-to-back-electric-ferries/
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India sets green electricity, tree-planting and emissions targets
India has unveiled new climate goals to cut carbon intensity, expand clean electricity capacity, and increase carbon sinks. The targets include reducing greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 47% by 2035, increasing non-fossil fuel sources to 60% of electricity generation capacity by 2035, and setting goals for carbon sinks. Analysts have mixed reactions, with some saying the targets are too easy to meet while others praise India's efforts. The country aims to achieve these targets through its booming clean energy industry and the growth of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. India aims to increase its carbon sink through trees and forests by 3.5-4 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2035 from 2005 levels, with experts highlighting the country's commitment to nature-based solutions and existing forest-growing programs. India's success in meeting climate goals is seen as a signal of integrity and commitment, with potential for further acceleration if adequate climate finance is provided by developed nations.
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What We’re Reading: Lessons From the ‘Grandmother Cacao’
In India's Western Ghats, a 65-year-old cacao tree is thriving thanks to successful agroforestry and "bio-control" techniques developed by a microbiologist couple. By using beneficial microbes to prevent the growth of pathogens, the farm is able to maintain soil health and produce organic cocoa. With increasing heat and rainfall threatening cacao trees with fungal and bacterial infestations, these innovative solutions are crucial for sustainable agriculture. This success story highlights the importance of climate-resilient practices in the face of changing environmental conditions.
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/what-were-reading-lessons-from-grandmother-cacao/
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Premier Energies unveils India’s first zero-busbar TOPCon solar cell
Premier Energies unveiled India's first zero-busbar (0BB) TOPCon solar cell at Intersolar India, marking a shift from traditional architectures and reducing silver consumption. The new design delivers higher power output, enhances mechanical flexibility, and improves resistance to micro-cracks, ensuring superior performance in Indian climates. Premier Energies aims to strengthen performance economics and sustainability in solar manufacturing by lowering silver usage while enhancing efficiency and durability. The company is investing in scaling up its solar manufacturing capacity and expanding into related areas like inverters and battery systems.