Climate Change Solutions Update

Tag: Netherlands

  • Transforming Britain’s Old Coalfields Into Clean Energy Sources

    In Gateshead, England, a mine water heat network has been successfully implemented to draw warmth from flooded mine workings, saving 72,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide over 40 years. The system uses a water-source heat pump to extract heat from geothermally warmed water, delivering five to six units of heat for every unit of electricity used. This initiative showcases the potential of utilizing renewable energy sources and existing infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions and lower energy bills for residents and businesses. The success of similar projects in Canada, the Netherlands, and potentially in northern China highlights the significant climate solution that mine water energy systems can offer if implemented effectively.

    https://reasonstobecheerful.world/mine-water-heat-gateshead/

  • Denmark joins Norway at EV pinnacle as 97 per cent of private buyers opt for electric cars in latest month

    Denmark and Norway are leading the way in electric vehicle adoption, with 97% of vehicles bought in Denmark and 97.6% in Norway being full battery electric in July. Mobility Denmark predicts that Denmark will have over one million BEVs on the roads early next year. The Nordic countries as a whole, including Finland and the Netherlands, are also experiencing a rise in BEV popularity. This trend towards electric vehicles is a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.

    https://thedriven.io/2026/08/11/denmark-joins-norway-at-ev-pinnacle-as-97-per-cent-of-private-buyers-opt-for-electric-cars-in-latest-month/

  • Open-access framework for intraday PV power prediction

    Researchers from Switzerland and the Netherlands have developed a new framework for intraday spatiotemporal PV power prediction at the national scale, combining satellite-based deep learning and optical-flow approaches with physics-based numerical weather prediction models. This method allows for improved short-term power production planning, strategic action during energy surpluses or shortages, reduced electricity costs, and better balance of the energy grid. The satellite-based models outperformed traditional forecasting methods, with relative errors below 10% on 82% of days in 2019-2020, demonstrating potential for operational use in climate solutions.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/07/28/open-access-framework-for-intraday-pv-power-prediction/

  • Ecowende’s 760MW offshore farm delivers first power Dutch grid

    The Hollandse Kust West offshore wind farm, developed by Shell, Chubu Electric Power, and Eneco, has been connected to TenneT's offshore grid in the Netherlands and has delivered its first green electricity. The wind farm comprises 52 turbines with a capacity of 15MW each, situated 53km off the Dutch coast. When fully commissioned, it is projected to produce 3.3TW-hours of renewable energy annually, supplying around 3% of the Netherlands' electricity needs. Eneco Wind Offshore Operations will handle the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the wind park, with electricity trading managed by Next Kraftwerke, SEEL, and EET. The project also contributes to grid stability by providing balancing energy services.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/ecowendes-760mw-offshore-wind-farm-first-power/

  • InterSolar Europe 2026 Key Takeaways

    The smarter E Europe 2026 event in Munich showcased the increasing integration of solar with storage, EV charging, and energy management, emphasizing the importance of storage in maximizing the use of solar energy and ensuring grid stability. The event highlighted the competitive landscape of the renewable energy industry, with companies vying for market share and focusing on design, usability, and creativity in solar panel design. Intelligent energy management is crucial in the growing renewable energy and energy storage sector, with companies offering V2G services and focusing on quality products and service to build trust with customers. The progress of electric vehicles in the Netherlands and the potential for V2G technology to help solve grid challenges were discussed, along with the need for simplicity and harmonization in bureaucracy to accelerate electrification and reduce emissions. Global learning and collaboration in the clean technology industry were emphasized at InterSolar, highlighting the value of engaging in the global clean technology ecosystem to define the winners and losers in the future.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/27/intersolar-europe-2026-key-takeaways/

  • BMW Reaches 2 Million Electric Vehicles, Focusing More & More On Smart Home Technology

    BMW Group has reached a milestone by producing its 2 millionth fully electric vehicle, a BMW i5 M60 xDrive sedan, at the Dingolfing factory in Germany. The factory now builds three electric BMW models and is expanding a partnership with SOLARWATT to integrate bidirectional charging, solar, and home energy storage for their vehicles. The market launch for this integration is planned for late 2026 in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, showcasing BMW's commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/15/bmw-reaches-2-million-electric-vehicles-focusing-more-more-on-smart-home-technology/

  • Solar-plus-storage microgrids now delivering competitive baseload power

    Yana Hryshko of Wood Mackenzie discussed the potential of solar and battery storage for delivering baseload power in various markets at a recent conference in Shanghai. The team at Wood Mackenzie modeled scenarios for Ukraine, Ghana, and the Netherlands, considering different solar-plus-storage deployments. Hybrid solar-plus-storage solutions have a lower levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) compared to conventional fuel solutions in these countries, with significant drops in the LCOE over time. The modeling assumes a consistent system architecture and specifications, focusing on reducing capex through tapping into existing transmission infrastructure. Solar-plus-storage microgrids are already cost-competitive and successful in Ukraine, Ghana, and the Netherlands, highlighting their value for generating affordable and clean electricity quickly in the energy transition.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/11/solar-plus-storage-microgrids-now-delivering-competitive-baseload-power/

  • What to Expect at the Santa Marta Climate Conference

    Colombia and the Netherlands are co-hosting the Santa Marta conference to address the climate crisis by transitioning away from fossil fuels in a just and equitable manner. At least 50 countries and the EU will participate in developing evidence-based policies aligned with recent climate change rulings. The conference aims to overcome barriers such as fossil fuel subsidies and national debt, with a focus on transforming energy supply and demand. Success will be measured by expanding the coalition of states committed to phasing out fossil fuels and creating a dedicated forum for continued action, potentially influencing COP31. Led by nations most impacted by climate change, the conference aims to prioritize practical cooperation to address urgent climate challenges.

    https://drilled.media/news/santa-marta-preview

  • The Santa Marta Conference on Fossil Fuel Transition Can Be a Turning Point

    Colombia and the Netherlands are hosting a conference in Santa Marta to discuss transitioning away from fossil fuels, addressing economic and national security risks. The failure of COP 30 has led to the creation of a "coalition of the willing" to work on practical steps for a global energy transition, including phasing out fossil fuels. Clean energy adoption is becoming more cost-effective, offering greater energy security and protection from global shocks. The conference aims to provide a concrete course of action for transitioning away from fossil fuels, addressing challenges such as fossil fuel subsidies and industry lobbying. It emphasizes the importance of developing taxonomies aligned with net zero scenarios and committing to phasing out fossil fuel use for a sustainable future.

    https://www.climaterealityproject.org/blog/santa-marta-conference-fossil-fuel-transition-can-be-turning-point

  • Women’s leadership is key to unlocking the global phaseout of fossil fuels

    Women around the world, such as Osprey Orielle Lake, Nemonte Nenquimo, and Sharon Lavigne, are leading efforts to stop fossil fuel expansion and implement just transitions. The Fossil Fuel Treaty, founded by Tzeporah Burman, is a key cornerstone for upcoming government convenings on fossil fuel phaseout. Research shows that countries with higher representation of women in parliament are more likely to ratify environmental treaties and see decreased CO2 emissions. Despite persistent gender inequality, women are indispensable leaders in climate solutions, defending land, water, climate, and health. Bold and transformative solutions are needed to address the increasing climate crisis and hold long-term warming below the critical 1.5°C threshold. An all-women team in Cape Town, South Africa is producing high-quality solar panels, highlighting the urgent need for a global phaseout of fossil fuel extraction and production, as fossil fuels are a primary driver of the climate crisis. Despite historic but nonbinding agreements to transition away from fossil fuels at the U.N. Climate Summit, implementation has been hindered. In response to stalled progress, Colombia and the Netherlands are convening the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels to advance cooperation towards a managed phaseout, recognizing women's leadership as vital in ensuring a healthy and equitable outcome in transitioning away from fossil fuels.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/03/08/womens-leadership-is-central-to-unlocking-the-global-phaseout-of-fossil-fuels/