Lauren Mellor and Chantelle Johns from Original Power are empowering First Nations communities in the Northern Territory by giving them control over their energy sources and promoting renewable energy solutions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Their mission aims to address climate change impacts and create sustainable, resilient communities, emphasizing the importance of indigenous-led climate solutions in the fight against climate change.
Category: Buildings & Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Energy Sources
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Huge home batteries inspire “made for Australia” rooftop solar panel, offering more power over less space
Trina has launched the Vertex S+ 515W rooftop PV module in response to the increasing demand for solar panels in Australia, driven by the record rate of home battery installations. The module offers higher energy yield, greater system capacity, and flexibility in design, catering to the advanced technology needs of the Australian residential and commercial rooftop markets. This innovation coincides with the booming rooftop solar installations in Australia, with the module available for preorder and expected in the third quarter. The 31% increase in solar panels registered nationwide in April marks a positive trend for climate solutions, highlighting the importance of staying informed through sources like Renew Economy to promote accurate information and support for clean energy initiatives.
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Record battery output, big winds push monthly gas generation to lowest level in more than two decades
In April, Queensland led in wind, solar, and battery output, with a notable increase in wind energy generation. The state also achieved a record-breaking month for big batteries, with over 100 GWh discharged by utility-scale battery energy storage systems. Australian utility PV and wind assets collectively generated 4.7 TWh, marking a 24% increase from the previous year. Gas generation across the National Electricity Market decreased by 49%, showcasing the ongoing trend of batteries displacing gas during the evening peak.
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Solar on canals reduces water evaporation by 70% and algae growth by 85%
The Nexus pilot project in California successfully demonstrated that installing solar panels over irrigation canals can reduce water evaporation and algae growth by 85%. This public-private partnership aimed to generate empirical data on the feasibility of deploying PV systems on active irrigation canals, showing potential operational efficiencies in canal management. The project tested various design configurations and highlighted the scalability potential of covering California's extensive canal network, which could save billions of gallons of water annually and improve water quality. This innovative solution has the potential to be a significant climate solution, offering both water conservation and renewable energy benefits.
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IFC, Norfund back 315 solar hybrid minigrids in Nigeria
The International Finance Corporation and Norfund are providing $83.2 million in financing to develop 315 solar hybrid minigrid sites in Nigeria, aiming to facilitate over 494,000 new electricity connections. This initiative will expand access to reliable electricity, reduce energy costs, strengthen local economies, and enable income generating activities. The Africa Solar Industry Association has identified over 4.8 GW of operational solar in Nigeria, with 115 MW from solar minigrids. IFC also plans to grant Virtuitis $16 million to build and operate 97 solar minigrids, connecting over 140,000 off-grid consumers by 2027.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/04/ifc-norfund-back-315-solar-hybrid-minigrids-in-nigeria/
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$3.2 Million Awarded For Tribal Solar Projects
Tribal Energy Alternatives has been awarded $3.2 million in grant funding to support solar energy access, workforce development, and energy resilience for Tribal Nations. The installations, which involve tribal contractors and trainees, aim to achieve energy independence and self-sufficiency through clean energy solutions, potentially saving $3,300 annually on utility bills. Additionally, over 500 tribal members have been supported in clean energy careers through training programs. This initiative highlights the importance of renewable energy sources in promoting sustainability and economic growth within Tribal Nations.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/02/3-2-million-awarded-for-tribal-solar-projects/
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Australian researchers develop vapour-based manufacturing process for lead-free perovskite solar
University of Queensland researchers have developed a scalable, lead-free perovskite solar cell manufacturing process that achieves record indoor-light efficiency without toxic materials. The new method eliminates the need for hazardous solvents and lead, making it better suited for scalable manufacturing. The panels made using this process are thin, scalable, and can be integrated into a range of products, offering an alternative to batteries for low-power electronics. The technology has the potential to replace silicon with higher efficiencies and commercial potential, with applications in consumer electronics and environmental sensors. Further testing is needed to ensure protection from oxygen and moisture.
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TotalEnergies, Nextnorth begin 440MWp solar project in Philippines
TotalEnergies and Nextnorth are collaborating on a 440MW solar power plant in the Philippines, expected to be operational by late 2027. This project, with a $300m investment, will generate 13.5TW-hours of electricity over two decades, with over half of it being sold to commercial and industrial users to reduce carbon emissions. The remaining electricity will be supplied to the national grid under the Philippines Government's Green Energy Auction Programme. Nextnorth, focusing on clean energy projects, aims to support the country's energy transition and economic growth, making this the largest international financing endeavor for a solar project in the Philippines.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/totalenergies-nextnorth-begin-440mwp-solar-project/
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In Colombia, 57 Nations Chart A Path To A Future Without Fossil Fuels
The recent climate talks in Colombia brought together nearly sixty nations to develop national "road maps" to end the production and use of fossil fuels, marking a departure from the annual UN climate negotiations. The event focused on practical steps to transition away from fossil fuels, with positive feedback from attendees. The head of the International Energy Agency noted that the war in Iran has irreparably damaged fossil fuel markets, leading countries towards renewable energy sources. France announced plans to phase out fossil fuels, and a "coalition of the willing" countries aims to accelerate the retreat from fossil fuels. The impact of the conference may depend on government implementation of policies and the participation of more countries in future efforts.
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Inorganic perovskite solar cell based on tetraphenyl-porphine zinc interlayer achieves 82% fill factor
An international research team has proposed a novel perovskite solar cell architecture incorporating a thin tetraphenyl-porphine zinc interfacial layer to enhance surface potential, passivate defect states, and improve charge transport, leading to improved device efficiency and operational stability with power conversion efficiencies exceeding 13%. The surface potential of cesium lead iodide bromide (CsPbIBr2) perovskite solar cells is enhanced by depositing a thin layer of tetraphenyl-porphine zinc (TPP-Zn) onto the active layer, enabling simultaneous suppression of surface defects and enhancement of charge carrier dynamics. Researchers have developed an optimized CsPbIBr2 perovskite solar cell with a peak efficiency of 13.47% and impressive performance metrics, demonstrating a promising approach for stable and high-performance inorganic perovskite solar cells. This study showcases a successful collaboration among scientists from various universities, as detailed in the article "Surface engineered wide-bandgap all-inorganic perovskite solar cells achieve a fill factor exceeding 82%."