Climate Change Solutions Update

Tag: US

  • US solar market positioned for continued growth in 2026

    The US solar industry is experiencing significant growth and job creation, with the global solar industry expected to expand by 2050. Safe harbor provisions are driving project pipelines and domestic manufacturing capacity, making solar the cheapest form of energy with cost declines expected to continue. The trend towards affordable and reliable energy access is benefiting the solar market, with large-scale projects offering low-cost generation capacity. Reshoring efforts in US solar manufacturing are contributing to long-term confidence in solar markets, reducing dependence on foreign entities and supply chains while creating new jobs and guarding against price volatility. Manufacturers investing in domestic operations and onshoring supply chains are well-positioned for success in the face of uncertainty and policy changes, setting the industry up for another record year in 2026.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/09/us-solar-market-positioned-for-continued-growth-in-2026/

  • New Solution For Critical Minerals: Recycling, Not Conflict Zones

    A new US startup, Supra Elemental Recovery, has developed a sponge-like filter to extract high-purity critical minerals from industrial waste, offering a more secure and sustainable solution compared to overseas mining. The University of Texas has contributed to the funding and development of the cartridge, which is designed to be reusable and environmentally friendly. The technology has shown promising results, with investors backing the project. This innovative approach could potentially revolutionize the extraction and refining of critical minerals needed for EVs and solar cells. The Supra team is working on a commercial-level demonstration later this year, aiming to provide U.S.-based manufacturers with a sustainable source of critical minerals.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/05/the-solution-for-us-critical-minerals-geopolitical-minefield-vs-recycling/

  • SpaceX Proposes One Million Solar Powered Data Centers In Earth Orbit

    The demand for artificial intelligence is driving the need for more electricity, with predictions of up to 20% of global electricity generation being required. Fossil fuel advocates and nuclear power supporters see opportunities for new power stations, but the lack of renewable energy to power data centers remains an issue. Some countries, like Ireland, are mandating that new data centers source 80% of their power from renewables, while the US continues to operate older coal plants despite higher costs and pollution. SpaceX has proposed launching solar-powered satellites to serve as data centers, aiming to reduce environmental impact and energy costs. The section also discusses the Kardashev Scale, which categorizes civilizations based on their energy consumption capabilities, and highlights concerns about satellite pollution and debris in Earth's orbit, as well as the potential power and influence of Elon Musk in controlling global data.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/01/spacex-proposes-one-million-solar-powered-data-centers-in-earth-orbit/

  • Scaling Solar Smarter: Innovation, Supply Chains, & the Future of Clean Energy

    Marty Rogers, General Manager for SolarEdge North America, discusses the future of solar energy in terms of inverter and storage innovation, reshoring critical manufacturing to the US, and sustainability practices. SolarEdge is focusing on strengthening the domestic solar supply chain, practicing sustainability in its operations, and innovating in the inverters and storage space. The company is leading the way in developing intelligent, grid-connected devices that optimize performance and lower the lifetime cost of ownership. Residential solar trends are shifting towards energy independence and resilience, with a growing demand for battery storage and backup capabilities. States prone to outages or high electricity rates are finding solar + storage more attractive due to sustainability mandates, rising utility costs, and new financing models. Grid services and virtual power plants are becoming essential for sharing and monetizing distributed energy while improving grid stability. CleanTechnica offers in-depth analyses and summaries on clean tech topics, with options to sign up for newsletters and follow on Google News.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/01/20/scaling-solar-smarter-innovation-supply-chains-the-future-of-clean-energy/

  • Offshore wind halt would do ‘irreparable harm’ to 67 million Americans: grid operator

    The US' largest grid operator is pushing for a swift resumption of work on the country's largest offshore wind project. This project is crucial for advancing renewable energy solutions and reducing carbon emissions. Climate solutions experts should prioritize supporting and accelerating the development of offshore wind arrays to help combat climate change and transition to a more sustainable energy system. The success of this project could serve as a model for future offshore wind initiatives in the US. It is imperative that stakeholders work together to overcome any obstacles and ensure the timely completion of this important renewable energy project.

    https://www.rechargenews.com/policy/offshore-wind-halt-would-do-irreparable-harm-to-67-million-americans-grid-operator/2-1-1929563

  • To break its coal habit, China should look to California’s progress on batteries

    Batteries are reshaping power systems in the US and China, offering a clean alternative to fossil fuel-powered peaker plants. California's battery fleet set a new record by discharging 11.2 GW during peak demand, while China plans to significantly increase battery storage capacity and reduce natural gas use by 70% by 2035. The US has seen rapid growth in battery storage, with federal policies and incentives supporting the transition away from peakers. Experts suggest that prioritizing battery storage over fossil peaker plants can accelerate clean energy goals, establish market mechanisms, and solidify global leadership in the industry. By shifting to battery storage, both countries can achieve a clean and flexible grid while reducing pollution and dependence on fossil fuels.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/01/15/to-break-its-coal-habit-china-should-look-to-californias-progress-on-batteries/

  • US Startup Envisions Hassle-Free EV Charging At Gas Stations

    The challenges facing the vehicle electrification movement, such as high costs of fast-charging stations and grid limitations, are being addressed by innovative solutions like ElectricFish's AI-assisted charging-plus-storage system. Their modular "350Squared" and new "400Squared" charging stations offer quick top-offs for EV drivers and can strengthen the grid with fast charging capabilities. ElectricEra is also entering the market with customizable EV charge kiosks and a quick installation timeline for their 400-kilowatt charging stations. These advancements in fast-charging technology are crucial for the continued growth and adoption of electric vehicles in the US.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/01/09/electricfish-ev-charging-innovator-is-transforming-gas-stations-into-electrification-hubs/

  • Sunrun & HASI Form New $500 Million Joint Venture to Accelerate Distributed Power Development

    HASI and Sunrun have announced a joint venture to finance distributed energy assets, with HASI investing up to $500 million over 18 months to support over 40,000 home power plants in the US. This partnership aims to provide a more efficient cost of capital and accelerate the development of essential infrastructure through home-based energy systems. Sunrun's Chief Financial Officer highlighted the innovative financing structure with HASI as a first-of-its-kind for residential storage and solar financing, offering an efficient capital structure for growth. While forward-looking statements have been made, both companies acknowledge the risks and uncertainties involved, with factors outlined in their Annual Reports filed with the SEC.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/01/06/sunrun-hasi-form-new-500-million-joint-venture-to-accelerate-distributed-power-development/

  • A 15-Ton Rooftop Heat Pump Is Coming For Your Fossil Fuels

    Electric heat pumps are becoming a key player in the home electrification movement and are now scaling up to decarbonize commercial buildings. Carrier Global Corporation is leading the way in demonstrating the potential of heat pumps in the US, with a new 15-ton rooftop heat pump for commercial use in development. The Energy Department's programs are accelerating the development of next-generation heat pumps for both residential and commercial markets, with a focus on high efficiency and reducing energy costs. Innovations like the Boiler 2.0 industrial heat pump from AtmosZero are highlighting the growing trend towards sustainable energy solutions, aiming to decarbonize industries with high-efficiency electrified steam generators. Commercial-scale heat pumps, like those used at the Belgium Brewing facility in Fort Collins, Colorado, are set to be available in the US market within the next two years, with a goal of delivering zero-emission steam at a cost comparable to fossil-fueled boilers.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/27/a-15-ton-rooftop-heat-pump-is-coming-for-your-fossil-fuels/

  • Hyundai Pushes The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Mobility Market

    Hyundai is expanding its presence in the global fuel cell market with a range of vehicles and power stations. The company is focusing on transitioning the hydrogen supply chain from fossil fuels to renewable resources for a sustainable future. Hyundai is targeting the hydrogen fuel cell market in the US, Korea, and Europe, with a focus on electrifying public transportation, fleets, and port logistics. The growth of the fuel cell market is driven by various stakeholders promoting the hydrogen economy of the future. Hyundai and Air Liquide are partnering to build a sustainable energy ecosystem that includes hydrogen production and utilization, supporting an accelerated timetable for bringing new hydrogen technologies to the market.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/05/hyundai-is-still-determined-to-push-the-fuel-cell-mobility-envelope-in-the-us-no-less/