Climate Change Solutions Update

Tag: Texas

  • 6 Records Solar & Storage Have Crushed in the First Half of 2026

    Solar and storage technologies are dominating new electricity generation capacity in the US, with solar making up 91% of new grid capacity added in Q1 2026 and surpassing coal as America's largest source of new electricity generation. California's battery fleet discharged a record 12.99 GW of power, covering 44% of demand, while setting a solar generation record of 23 GW covering 72% of afternoon demand. Texas has set multiple records, including renewables meeting 79% of electricity demand and batteries supplying 20% of evening electricity demand. Major grid operators like SPP, ISONE, MISO, and PJM are also setting new records for solar generation, showcasing how solar energy is not only reducing prices but also ensuring energy reliability and meeting rising electricity demand.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/07/16/6-records-solar-storage-have-crushed-in-the-first-half-of-2026/

  • Battery Swapping Is Finally Coming To The US

    Battery swapping has gained popularity in global e-mobility regions, with the US showing signs of acceleration. In New York City, a successful pilot project for public battery swapping stations for e-bike delivery workers is expanding to install 25 stations in high-traffic locations. The Transportation Committee of CB 8 approved two EV charging station locations in Manhattan to avoid infrastructure issues. Honda's new swappable battery pack for two-wheelers in the US and Europe's "Swaptopus" initiative for electric trucks aim to advance electric mobility. These swapping stations also function as virtual power plants, with Texas and New York City making efforts to implement e-bike battery swapping for safety and efficiency benefits.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/07/05/battery-swapping-us-e-bikes-honda-nyc/

  • 3 home energy providers offer 16.8 GW of distributed capacity to utilities, hyperscalers

    Sunrun, Tesla, and Renew Home are partnering to provide nearly 17 GW of distributed energy capacity in the U.S., focusing on alleviating grid congestion and offering grid services to middle-class American families. Power system experts see untapped potential in distributed resources like battery and HVAC capacity in key markets such as Texas, California, and Virginia. In Puerto Rico, LUMA Energy has utilized Sunrun's PowerOn Puerto Rico VPP to address reliability issues on the transmission grid, with onsite solar and batteries playing a critical role in shortening power outages for over 200,000 customers. The need for sustainable solutions is evident as load-shedding events increase due to high demand and aging fossil-fuel generators going offline for maintenance.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/3-home-energy-providers-offer-168-gw-of-distributed-capacity-to-utilities/823676/

  • Historic Graph: Solar Electricity Surpasses Coal Electricity In USA

    In May 2026, solar power in the US surpassed coal power in electricity generation for the first time ever, with solar providing 12.8% of the total compared to coal's 12.2%. This marks a significant milestone in the transition towards renewable energy sources, with coal generation declining by 11% year over year. Solar power has been steadily rising and setting new records, becoming the third-largest source of electricity in the US behind gas and nuclear. The shift towards renewable energy sources is evident in the significant growth of solar power over the past five years, highlighting the progress towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy system. Solar power is becoming increasingly popular in the US, with markets from Texas to California investing in solar to meet growing power needs, and in ERCOT, electricity generation from solar is projected to exceed coal for the first time in 2026. This shift towards solar energy is a significant development in the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/19/historic-graph-solar-electricity-surpasses-coal-electricity-in-usa/

  • Texas Scores Another Solar Factory, Trump Or No Trump

    TOYO Solar, a Japanese firm, is investing $357 million in a 1.5-gigawatt solar cell manufacturing facility in Texas to produce HJT solar cells, known for enhanced performance in hot climates. This move represents a significant step towards cleaner and more efficient solar energy production in the US. The company aims to meet domestic content requirements and strengthen the supply chain security of the US solar industry, which is thriving and outpacing fossil energy systems for new power generation capacity additions. By focusing on tandem solar cells that combine silicon and perovskites for durability and efficiency, TOYO is driving advancements in solar conversion efficiency and creating 400 direct jobs in the city.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/09/solar-cells-new-factory-texas-us-hjt-toyo/

  • Waymo Sending Used EV Batteries to Community Clean Energy

    Waymo and B2U Storage Solutions have partnered to repurpose old EV batteries for grid-scale storage systems, aiming to cut CO2 emissions and pollution while supporting clean energy growth in California and Texas. By extending the use of these batteries, they are maximizing their economic and environmental value, showcasing the potential for EV batteries to contribute to a circular economy and help meet increasing energy demand. This initiative highlights Waymo's commitment to sustainability and maximizing the positive environmental impact of its all-electric fleet, demonstrating the potential for repurposed EV batteries to play a key role in climate solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/07/waymo-sending-used-ev-batteries-to-community-clean-energy/

  • Avangrid completes construction of Tower Solar project in Oregon

    Avangrid's Tower Solar project in Morrow County, Oregon, with a generation capacity of 166MW, has been completed and connected to the local power grid. The project, using over 250,000 solar panels from SEG Solar in Texas, will supply renewable energy to Portland General Electric and support QTS data center operations. Construction of Tower Solar created around 200 jobs for regional union workers and is expected to contribute $20m in tax payments. This project aligns with efforts to strengthen the domestic energy supply chain and support the growth of renewable energy installations in the region, showcasing the potential for job creation and economic benefits in the transition to clean energy.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/avangrid-completes-tower-solar/

  • A Giant Solar Power Plant In Texas Is Getting A New Neighbor

    Texas, particularly Swisher County, is leading the way in renewable energy with the expansion of solar power plants to offset the negative impact of federal energy policy shifts on the wind industry. The upcoming 201-megawatt Nazareth array in Swisher County will further contribute to its success in renewable energy. Organizations like Texas Solar Shepherds are promoting solar grazing with sheep to reduce maintenance costs and support local economies, while also optimizing racking systems for cattle grazing in solar fields. The article highlights the opportunity to combine clean power with food systems through solar power plants, such as the Hornet solar power plant, as a solution to farmland loss due to rural development.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/02/texas-solar-power-vesper-energy-sustainable/

  • 15-Year SAF Deal For UK’s Largest Regional Carrier

    Loganair has entered into a 15-year agreement with ClimaHtech Green Flight to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) using advanced technology pathways like BioSAF and eSAF. The focus is on decentralized production using waste biomass and intermittent renewable power sources like wind and solar. The project aims to utilize excess wind power to produce SAF, making it a scalable and resilient approach to reducing carbon footprint in the aviation industry. ClimaHtech Green Flight highlights the advantages of smaller, modular systems for SAF production, which can lead to regional energy independence, greater energy security, and economic resilience. Infinium Energy's e-fuels projects in Texas, including the Project Atlas facility, are also contributing to reducing jet fuel consumption and supporting sustainable aviation solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/27/saf-sustainable-aviation-fuel-uk-modular-localized/

  • The grid is in better shape this summer. Thank solar and batteries.

    Renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, have shown significant growth and contribution to the grid, overshadowing new fossil gas generation. Solar power, in particular, has proven to be a valuable asset during peak summer demand, with batteries playing a crucial role in storing excess solar power for later use. The combination of solar and batteries has helped reduce the risk of blackouts in regions like California and Texas. The report emphasizes that renewables are cost-effective and can be built quickly, making them essential in meeting high energy demand during extreme heat periods. Overall, renewables, especially solar and batteries, are key solutions in reducing grid risk and ensuring reliable energy supply.

    https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/clean-energy/grid-better-shape-this-summer