The disruption of oil and gas supplies in the Strait of Hormuz highlights the vulnerability of the global energy system tied to fossil fuels. UN Secretary-General emphasizes the importance of transitioning to renewables for energy security and economic resilience. Countries like Norway, Paraguay, Nepal, and Ethiopia are leading the way in renewable energy adoption, with a focus on hydropower and a gradual shift away from fossil fuels in various sectors. Renewables offer stable, domestic, and cheaper power, while also cutting emissions, reducing pollution, creating jobs, and lowering long-term costs. Nepal and Ethiopia are reducing their dependence on imported fossil fuels by focusing on hydropower, expanding rural electrification, and developing decentralized renewable systems to achieve universal electricity access and support economic development. Challenges in financing and infrastructure remain, but the transition to renewables is seen as unstoppable and beneficial for the future.
Tag: Norway
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A 650-Megawatt Wind Farm Is Rising In Ukraine, Putin Or No Putin
Ukraine's leading energy provider, DTEK Group, is expanding its wind energy profile with a new 650-megawatt project supported by a grant from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation. The move towards wind energy is driven by the resiliency of wind farms during wartime, as demonstrated by the Tyligulska Wind Power Plant near the Black Sea. DTEK is positioning its renewable energy ventures as key to Ukraine's energy resilience and European integration, with plans for further expansion in the future. Norway is providing aid to Ukraine for the Poltavska renewable energy project, which aims to decentralize the country's energy system and integrate with EU standards. Western Ukraine has ideal conditions for the production of green hydrogen due to its wind and PV resources, water availability, and access to gas infrastructure, with plans to export to European markets and partner with Austria for investment and production capacity.
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Major oil producers among 46 nations joining fossil fuel phase-out summit
Forty-six countries, including major oil, coal, and gas producers such as Canada, Australia, Brazil, and Norway, will attend a conference in Santa Marta to accelerate the global shift from fossil fuels. The summit aims to create an international coalition committed to ending reliance on oil, coal, and natural gas, with a focus on prioritizing science and phasing out fossil fuel production and consumption. Notably absent are the United States and Saudi Arabia, while vulnerable nations like Palau and Sierra Leone are in attendance. The outcomes of the conference will inform discussions at COP31 and provide a roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels, with campaigners seeing it as an opportunity to showcase credible transitions and build momentum for global action. Colombia views the current global energy shock as a chance to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.
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Solar-to-X could redefine Iran’s energy future
Iran has the potential to transition to a fully renewable energy system by 2050, with solar PV playing a key role. A recent study by LUT University shows that such a transition is technically possible and economically attractive. Solar PV could become the backbone of Iran's energy system, driving change across power, heat, transport, industry, and desalination sectors. In the most ambitious scenario, solar PV would dominate the power sector, accounting for 81% of installed capacity and 93% of electricity generation by 2050. Solar PV electricity is becoming the central energy platform in Iran, with direct electrification and heat pumps meeting 80% of heat demand by 2050. In transport, direct electrification is preferred, while Solar-to-X fuels are used for aviation and shipping. The industrial sector in Iran could benefit from transitioning to renewable electricity, hydrogen, and Power-to-X products. Solar PV can support cleaner production in energy-intensive industries and help address water scarcity issues by avoiding water consumption in thermal power plants. System integration of renewable energy can also support defossilisation and water security in the country. The section discusses the importance of storage in Iran's energy transition, with a focus on renewable energy sources like solar PV. By 2050, electricity storage output and capacity are expected to increase significantly. The transition to renewables is not just about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also about creating a cost-effective and efficient energy system. Iran has the opportunity to use its energy strengths to build a sustainable future, including the export of e-fuels and e-materials. The country can follow Norway's example of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources to shape its long-term economic model. Research at LUT University focuses on power-to-X technologies, including solar energy, as a key aspect of their work in various sectors such as power, heat, transport, industry, desalination, and carbon dioxide removal. This article highlights the importance of connecting renewable electricity with industrial strategy, export potential, energy security, and water solutions in a single framework for Iran's future energy development.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/18/solar-to-x-could-redefine-irans-energy-future/
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From Riverboats To Global Ports: CATL Is Winning The Shipping Electrification Race
CATL's batteries and energy management systems are being utilized in various ships and vessels, showcasing a shift towards electrification in maritime transport. The company's Ship-Shore-Cloud electric vessel solution, in partnership with A.P. Moller Maersk, is driving decarbonization efforts in ports and logistics, focusing on electrifying ground equipment, harbor craft, and shore power for vessels. Challenges in decarbonizing deep sea shipping are being addressed through operational changes, sustainable biofuels, and the prioritization of electrification in ports and short sea routes. Chinese battery manufacturers are leading the way in supplying batteries for maritime applications, while Europe and countries like Norway, Denmark, and Scotland are making strides in ferry electrification. This concrete reshaping of the shipping sector towards electrification is already in progress, with a focus on reducing emissions and costs while increasing regulatory familiarity and workforce capability.
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How Long Until China Is At 90% Plugin Vehicle Sales?
China has experienced a substantial increase in plugin vehicle sales, with over half of new vehicle sales now being plugin vehicles. Despite uncertainty surrounding the future growth of electric vehicle sales in China, comparisons to Norway's rapid rise in EV share suggest that China could potentially reach 90% plugin vehicle sales by 2030. The Chinese EV market is highly developed, competitive, and rapidly expanding, indicating that it is likely to continue to grow in the coming years.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/01/04/how-long-until-china-is-at-90-plugin-vehicle-sales/
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US Misses The Offshore Wind Boat And Aquaculture, Too
The US offshore wind industry faced setbacks under President Trump, but projects in Rhode Island, New York, and Virginia are still moving forward. Chile is emerging as a leader in offshore wind energy, with collaborations with Norway and Denmark. The aquaculture industry in Chile is benefiting from clean power solutions, including offshore wind turbines and floating solar technology. These sustainable energy sources are reducing diesel consumption, lowering costs, and improving working conditions for workers in the aquaculture industry. Offshore wind and solar companies are exploring opportunities in aquaculture, with projects in Chile and China combining renewable energy with fish farming. China's Fuxi 1 offshore facility, powered by wind turbines, can farm multiple species of fish, crustaceans, and algae simultaneously. In Norway, a project is assessing the co-location of aquaculture and offshore wind turbines, with benefits including reduced risk of sea lice and oxygen deficiency for fish health. Research shows that offshore wind farms can enhance ecosystem productivity and create a more complex food web, supporting marine ecosystems. The collaboration between offshore wind stakeholders and the global aquaculture industry is highlighted, with mentions of missed opportunities in the US and new developments in Sweden.
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/22/us-misses-the-offshore-wind-boat-and-aquaculture-too-shocker/