Climate Change Solutions Update

Tag: Indiana

  • Green steel is the way forward for Indiana, former steelworkers say

    Former steelworkers in Northwest Indiana are advocating for a shift towards cleaner steelmaking methods to save jobs, create economic opportunities, and reduce healthcare costs. The transition is crucial as outdated blast furnaces may become obsolete, leading to job losses and economic decline. Efforts are being made to modernize steel production, with the acquisition of U.S. Steel's Gary Works mill by Nippon Steel presenting an opportunity for investment in green steel production. The use of Direct Reduced Iron plants, electric furnaces, and green hydrogen could further reduce emissions in the steel industry, which is currently highly polluting. Without investments in clean steel, the city of Gary, Indiana could face worsening urban decay and competition with electric arc furnaces.

    https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/green-steel/way-forward-indiana-steel

  • Texas Seizes the Solar Crown From California, and Other Key Points From the Latest Electricity Data

    Texas has surpassed California as the leader in utility-scale solar generation, producing 58,634 gigawatt-hours in 2025, while California remains ahead in small-scale solar electricity generation. Utility-scale solar was the fastest-growing electricity source in the US last year, increasing by 35 percent, with renewable energy, including wind and hydropower, as the second largest electricity source after natural gas, showing a 9.5 percent increase. Data centers and electrification are driving the trend of total electricity generation from all utility-scale sources increasing by 2.8 percent in 2025. Indiana is increasing its use of coal power despite concerns about costs and environmental impacts, but there is also investment in utility-scale solar projects, such as the Mammoth Solar project. The energy transition is accelerating, with large-scale solar projects becoming more common, highlighting the importance of renewable energy solutions in the face of climate change.

    https://insideclimatenews.org/news/05032026/inside-clean-energy-texas-utility-scale-solar/

  • Red States Pitch The Wireless EV Charging System Of The Future

    Michigan, Florida, and Indiana are leading the way in implementing in-road wireless EV charging infrastructure, with Michigan and Florida focusing on wireless inductive power transfer technology and Indiana developing dynamic charging systems for heavy-duty trucks and smaller vehicles. These advancements aim to make charging on the go a reality for electric vehicles, while also reducing the size, weight, and cost of batteries. Despite a recent decrease in EV sales, there is a continued push for conventional charging stations, and several companies are planning to introduce new EV models to the US market by 2026. General Motors has also reaffirmed its commitment to making more affordable EVs available in the US in the future.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/29/with-ev-wireless-charging-two-red-states-make-a-great-case-for-electric-mobility/

  • 2025 Energy Year in Review: Solar and Storage Shine Through, Despite It All

    In 2025, despite challenges from the Trump administration, clean energy in the United States showed significant progress. The US solar sector saw record-breaking installations, with Texas leading the way followed by California and Indiana. Solar generation and manufacturing capacity also experienced substantial growth. Energy storage installations increased by over 50%, with Texas, California, and Arizona leading the way. Overall, 2025 is projected to be the biggest year for clean power deployment in history, showcasing the potential of clean energy technologies in transforming electricity markets across the country. Solar is expected to overtake coal in some states, with commitments to clean energy goals from states like Maine and California. Affordability concerns are driving more people to recognize the benefits of solar and wind power, with decision makers and advocates pushing for policies to accelerate the transition to clean energy. Innovation, economies of scale, and international progress are making clean energy more attractive, highlighting the possibilities and long-term benefits of a clean energy economy.

    https://blog.ucs.org/john-rogers/2025-energy-year-in-review-solar-and-storage-shine-through-despite-it-all/