Climate Change Solutions Update

Tag: US

  • Solar Energy Is Essential (Trump Just Won’t Admit It)

    Solar energy is recognized as the fastest and most economical way to increase kilowatts in the grid, with the US Air Force supporting the space solar industry. Germanium-based solar modules have set a new world record for solar conversion efficiency, but there is a shortage of germanium in the US. The Department of War has awarded $18.1 million to a domestic producer to address the germanium shortfall for defense applications. The US Air Force sees solar energy as a next-level logistics improvement over fossil fuels, with plans to deploy space-based systems to harvest solar energy in orbit and beam it down to Earth. Private sector stakeholders are working towards demonstrating space-based solar technology within the next 10 years. Research is being conducted by the USAF on space solar energy delivery to Earth, with a focus on fuel resupply in the Indo-Pacific region. The project, titled PERSEUS, aims to provide clean energy anywhere on Earth in the early 2030s. The technology could be used for defense applications once deployed, offering a way to reduce reliance on vulnerable fuel supply chains. Solar energy demand is also increasing on Earth, with the US solar industry dominating new utility-scale capacity additions to the nation's grid. Additionally, the US defense supplier York Space Systems has acquired the space solar startup Solestial to secure a domestic source for critical space solar capability. Solestial is preparing to produce new solar cells in the United States after acquiring manufacturing equipment from Meyer Burger. The company aims to expand its manufacturing capabilities and supply chain control with this strategic move. Solestial's focus is on in-space applications for its self-healing silicon solar technology. The US Air Force recognizes the importance of solar energy for national defense, potentially replacing fuel resupply missions for ground operations.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/15/space-solar-energy-us-air-force-essential/

  • AirPlantTM One Opens in Moses Lake: America’s First Commercial E-Jet® Fuel Plant Begins Operations

    Twelve has opened AirPlant One in Washington, the first facility in the US to produce E-Jet fuel and E-Naphtha from CO2 and renewable electricity. Alaska Airlines and Microsoft were present at the ribbon cutting ceremony, committing to purchasing output from the facility. The E-Jet SAF and E-Naphtha offer lower CO2 emissions, price predictability, and support domestic industrial growth. Microsoft's strategic investment aims to reduce emissions associated with business travel and advance clean energy solutions in aviation and global industry. Twelve's focus on electrifying fuel and chemical production using CO2 and renewable electricity is commercially viable in the United States and can scale to additional production sites and airline partners.

    https://www.twelve.co/post/airplant-one-opens-in-moses-lake-america-s-first-commercial-e-jet-fuel-plant-begins-operations

  • 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/

  • CATL Developing 12,000 Wh Per Kg Lithium-Air Battery

    CATL, the largest battery manufacturer in the world, is focusing on lithium-air battery technology for the future, which has a theoretical energy density equivalent to gasoline. These batteries utilize lithium metal as the anode and oxygen from the air as the cathode reactant, significantly reducing weight and complexity. Current lithium-air prototype batteries have reached an energy density four times higher than most batteries in commercial use today. US researchers are also advancing lithium-ion technology, with lithium-air batteries potentially being able to power a car for over a thousand miles on a single charge in the future. Despite political challenges, Chinese companies like CATL are moving forward with a three-part strategy focusing on mature technologies, solid-state batteries, and the theoretical limits of lithium-air technology for the future. The US may fall behind in this area due to political interference, but the potential of lithium-air batteries remains promising.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/06/catl-developing-12000-wh-per-kg-lithium-air-battery/

  • Solar streetlights with AI could solve data center energy demand

    ConFlow's iLamps are innovative streetlamp units equipped with solar panels, batteries, and a processing chip to create a virtual power plant network. The company plans to deploy half a million units in countries like Nigeria, the UK, and the US, offering AI power, communication, and data processing services. Local authorities pay for the compute-per-hour and power provided by the iLamps, generating revenue for ConFlow and offering benefits like carbon credits. Additionally, the lamps offer various intelligence services based on user requirements, such as weather data and sports performance analysis. Fitzpatrick's project involving iLamps with cameras and panic buttons adds a surveillance aspect to the service, which he defends as governments show interest in purchasing.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/04/solar-streetlights-with-ai-nvidia-chips-could-solve-data-center-energy-demand-green-utilities-conflow-power-group/

  • EDF and Masdar sign 15-year PPAs for BigBeau output

    The BigBeau Solar+Storage Project in Kern County, California, US, began operating in December 2022, with EDF power solutions North America and Masdar signing 15-year power purchase agreements for the 128MW solar installation and 40MW/160MWh battery energy storage system. This project, supplying power to Southern California Edison, can power up to 64,000 households and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 315,000t annually. Part of a larger collaboration between EDF and Masdar, this initiative aims to develop renewable energy sites in the US with a total capacity of 1.1GW, contributing significantly to climate solutions and the transition to clean energy.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/edf-masdar-sign-15-year-ppas-bigbeau-output/

  • Massachusetts ‘vehicle-to-everything’ demonstration hints at EV batteries’ grid potential

    Massachusetts is deploying bidirectional electric vehicle chargers to explore using EV batteries for backup power, self-consumption, and demand response, funded by the American Rescue Plan. The program aims to understand how electric buses and other vehicles can interact with the grid as EV adoption increases, offering significant revenue opportunities for vehicle owners. State- and utility-led bidirectional charging programs are becoming more common across the US, with the state's ConnectedSolutions virtual power plant providing generous compensation for owners of bidirectional-capable EVs. Despite concerns about balancing power needs with vehicle owner usage during demand response events, there is optimism that utilities will overcome obstacles and utilize the significant energy storage capacity of EV batteries to cover a meaningful fraction of vehicles on the road in Massachusetts.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/massachusetts-vehicle-to-everything-demonstration-hints-at-ev-batteries/821621/

  • Introducing the demand triangle

    To effectively address climate change, cutting emissions and actively removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere are necessary. The US has made progress in this area, but challenges remain, including a small and concentrated market for carbon removal. A three-part policy framework called the "Demand Triangle" is proposed to address these challenges, including public procurement, shifting costs to industrial emitters, and leveling the playing field with trade policy. This framework aims to support the growth of a successful carbon removal industry while limiting consumer exposure to price increases, ultimately leading to the US leading a global carbon removal industry worth up to $1 trillion by 2050. The section discusses the importance of finding solutions that benefit the climate, industry, and communities most affected by climate change, emphasizing the need for action to address the consequences of inaction.

    https://carbon180.org/blog/introducing-the-demand-triangle/

  • Assessing Elon Musk’s massive 100 GW solar ambitions

    Elon Musk's ambitious plan for Tesla to build 100 GW of annual PV manufacturing capacity in the US, double the current capacity, highlights the potential for the company to lead in renewable energy solutions. Despite challenges such as significant investment, expertise, and space requirements, Tesla's track record of rapid factory construction and cash reserves position it as a strong candidate for success. By importing Chinese-built equipment and navigating interconnection processes with local utilities, Tesla aims to meet the increasing demand for renewable energy in the country. The plan could also impact the workforce and international trade policies in the solar manufacturing industry, providing a larger market for domestic companies like Tesla. Overall, Tesla's goal of expanding solar manufacturing capacity showcases its potential to drive new power generation and grid-scale battery storage in the US.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/27/assessing-elon-musks-massive-100-gw-solar-ambitions/

  • Earth.org Debunks Clean Energy Myths

    Large corporations and the current US government are spreading false information to attack renewable energy, electric vehicles, and progressive values, claiming they are costly and unreliable. However, recent data shows that renewables are cheaper, with the shift saving $467 billion in global fuel expenditures in 2024. The cost of solar and wind is zero, making them a more sustainable and cost-effective option compared to fossil fuels. Additionally, new sodium-ion batteries for energy storage are reducing costs, with the US projected to add 24 gigawatts of utility scale storage in 2026. Renewable energy is surpassing coal as the world's largest electricity source, creating more jobs and having a smaller environmental footprint. Despite disinformation, a calm and rational presentation of facts is key to changing minds and driving the transition to clean energy.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/23/earth-org-debunks-clean-energy-myths/