The National Laboratory of the Rockies has welcomed seven new West Gate fellows, including Boris Chubukov of Big Blue Technologies Inc., who is focused on making magnesium production affordable in the U.S. The fellows are working on innovative solutions to reduce dependence on foreign supplies, such as creating magnesium and cement domestically. Another company, GeoKiln, is developing a new approach to hydrogen production using the Earth's geology. Additionally, Last Wave Energy is revolutionizing battery technology by creating ultralight batteries with up to 95% less inactive material. Orva Energy is working on sodium-ion batteries as a more affordable and sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries, with the goal of addressing energy challenges and creating jobs.
Tag: U.S.
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Trump administration wants electricity from ocean waves, not wind
The PacWave South wave energy test site in Oregon has opened for companies to test technologies that generate electricity from ocean waves, despite hurdles created by the Trump administration for clean energy projects. The facility aims to advance the marine energy industry, which is carbon-free and has the potential to power a significant portion of U.S. electrical needs. The Energy Department has invested nearly $150 million in the facility and believes wave energy devices can enhance national security. The PacWave South site in Oregon is a grid-connected wave energy test site that is pre-permitted, allowing developers to bring various types of wave energy converters for testing without acquiring permits. These converters include point absorbers, oscillating water columns, and attenuators, crucial for the development of wave energy technology and addressing the bottleneck in the global industry.
https://apnews.com/article/wave-wind-energy-offshore-oregon-trump-0199c3f42686e5804be70be432e239b4
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Princeton Critical Minerals Raises $16M to Scale Lithium Production Technologies
Princeton Critical Minerals (PCM) has raised $16 million to expand sales and commercial deployments of its brine-based lithium production platform in the U.S. and South America. The company's technology improves efficiency and scalability of lithium production from brine sources, addressing increasing demand for critical minerals used in energy storage, electrification, and AI infrastructure. PCM's systems aim to increase throughput while reducing energy use, chemical consumption, and operational complexity in lithium production. The company has successfully deployed its technology in Chile and is preparing for commercial deployments in the U.S. to meet the growing global demand for lithium. PCM is field-testing new technologies in Chile to enhance evaporation and optimize processes using AI, in order to increase lithium production efficiency and meet growing demand. The company plans to scale manufacturing, expand commercial deployments, and build U.S.-based production capabilities with new funding. PCM aims to support the global critical mineral supply chains for energy storage, electrification, and digital systems. The successful deployment of Lilypad has led to plans for additional pilot projects in Chile, with growing demand from major lithium producers.
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The Spark: How Neighbors Are Banding Together to Go Greener
In Marblehead, Massachusetts, volunteers like Lisa Wolf are leading a green revolution by coaching homeowners on transitioning to energy-efficient heat pumps through programs like HeatSmart Alliance. These efforts are crucial in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from home energy use, which accounts for about 20 percent of emissions in the U.S. Despite challenges in historic areas, heat pump coaches are helping homeowners navigate their options and access state rebates for green energy solutions. Additionally, initiatives like Window Dressers in Maine are providing custom window inserts to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs, with a focus on helping low-income customers. By organizing locally and providing support and resources, these volunteers are driving America's green transition at the grassroots level.
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/the-spark-green-home-energy/
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CS PowerTech Launches Best In Class PV HJT Solar Cell Factory
CS PowerTech Inc., a subsidiary of Canadian Solar Inc., has opened a PV cell manufacturing facility in Jeffersonville, Indiana, which will produce industry-leading heterojunction (HJT) bifacial N-type solar cells. The facility is expected to create over 1,200 jobs and represent nearly $1 billion in local investment, strengthening U.S. manufacturing, supply-chain resilience, and energy security. With a focus on grid reliability and America's future energy needs, the facility aims to support local communities, accelerate clean energy adoption, and contribute to American energy independence. Canadian Solar's track record in delivering solar modules and battery energy storage solutions worldwide underscores their commitment to advancing solar technology and sustainability.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/07/24/cs-powertech-launches-best-in-class-pv-hjt-solar-cell-factory/
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Hyundai Motor Group Launches AllDayEnergy, Its Global V2X Service
Hyundai Motor Group has launched AllDayEnergy, a global Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) energy service that integrates smart charging, vehicle-to-grid, and vehicle-to-home services. The service will initially roll out in the UK via the Kia App in the second quarter of 2026, with planned expansion to Europe, the U.S., and Korea. AllDayEnergy allows bidirectional energy flow between electric vehicles and the grid, enabling customers to optimize energy usage, reduce costs, and support grid sustainability. The service includes V1G smart charging, V2G energy return to the grid, and V2H support for household electricity needs. Customers can access AllDayEnergy through the vehicle apps of Hyundai Motor and Kia, reflecting the Group's vision of smart energy management as part of daily life and transitioning into a smart energy solutions provider.
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Meter Attachment Transforms EV Batteries Into Power Stations
The vehicle electrification movement is gaining momentum, with automakers like Ford exploring the use of EV batteries for non-mobility purposes such as emergency backup generators. Ford's F-150 Lightning EV is being equipped with features like Pro Power Onboard to provide power to homes for multiple days, and the company is also planning to introduce a plug-in hybrid version. Startups like Sila are securing funding to accelerate U.S. production of silicon-carbon anode technology for batteries, which offer higher energy density and faster-charging capabilities. This innovation has caught the interest of companies like GM, signaling a fresh round of activity in the EV battery space.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/07/22/ev-batteries-vehicle-home-emergency-backup-power-ford/
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APsystems introduces plug-in microinverter for U.S. balcony solar
APsystems has launched the EZ1-LV microinverter, designed for decentralized, small-scale solar deployments such as balconies and gardens. This plug-and-play grid connection solution reduces installation time and barriers to solar adoption. The microinverter supports high-power solar panels, operates reliably under harsh conditions, and features integrated communications for real-time monitoring. It meets strict U.S. and Canadian safety standards and comes with a 12-year standard warranty, making it a promising solution for expanding solar energy access.
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New AI tool brings transparency to the solar buying process
Tursun Ablekim, founder of AgentSolar AI, has developed a platform to bring transparency and efficiency to the residential solar sector, addressing pricing inconsistency and aggressive sales tactics that have led to overpayment by U.S. homeowners. The platform uses agentic AI to analyze proposals, verify installer reputation, and negotiate better terms on behalf of the consumer, potentially reducing solar soft costs, especially customer acquisition expenses. Ablekim envisions a future where AI manages all aspects of the home energy journey, leading to a shift towards specialized digital services in the residential solar market for data transparency and autonomous execution. This disruption aims to create a more transparent, efficient, and agent-led future in the solar industry, benefiting both consumers and local installers.
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The growing global popularity of wildlife crossings
Wildlife crossings have become a global movement with bipartisan support and public backing, proving to be highly effective in restoring genetic connectivity for animals and preventing dangerous vehicle collisions. States across the U.S. are increasingly investing in wildlife crossings, with efforts to secure more funding for these crucial conservation measures. Innovative solutions like canopy crossings and elevated highways are being explored to protect wildlife and promote cohabitation with animals. The public sentiment towards wildlife crossings has evolved positively, reflecting a shift towards acknowledging humans as part of nature and being responsible for protecting wildlife populations. Overall, wildlife crossings are seen as a win-win solution, benefiting public safety, saving money, and conserving wildlife while promoting a harmonious relationship with nature.
https://news.mongabay.com/podcast/2026/07/the-growing-global-popularity-of-wildlife-crossings/