California has successfully launched the 105 MW Pastoria Solar Project in Kern County to power the Edmonston Pumping Plant, a key water supply infrastructure for Southern California. Equipped with tracking technology, this project is the largest renewable energy procurement in the history of the State Water Project. By utilizing renewable energy, officials hope to stabilize water delivery costs and move towards carbon neutrality by 2035. The project also incorporates a natural gas facility and a battery storage system, and was completed with union labor, showcasing the integration of climate goals with local economic development.
Category: Buildings & Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Energy Sources
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Solar, EVs soared globally as oil fell in 2025
In 2025, solar emerged as the world's fastest growing energy source, playing a significant role in the growth of clean technologies and preventing 3 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. This milestone marked the first time in modern history that a renewable energy technology supplied the largest share of global energy demand increase. Natural gas also saw growth in meeting demand, while the rise of electric vehicles and renewables contributed to shifts in the economy, including flat coal demand in China.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/solar-evs-soared-globally-as-oil-fell-in-2025/
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We Can Create Food Systems That Enhance Human & Planetary Health
The section discusses the need to decarbonize agricultural practices, transition to low carbon energy sources, and use agrivoltaics to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in food systems. It emphasizes the importance of a systemic approach to transform food systems, reduce Scope 3 emissions, and address interconnected challenges of food production, climate change, and environmental sustainability. Clear communication of scientific evidence on climate change, food systems, and health is highlighted, along with the importance of integrating knowledge and engaging stakeholders. Managing the global agri-food system efficiently, focusing on soil health, water quality, and climate resilience, and promoting plant-based diets are key strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address food insecurity. The article also stresses the need to protect agricultural workers, implement sustainable practices, and advocate for a theology of food that prioritizes human dignity and access to food for all.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/19/we-can-create-food-systems-that-enhance-human-planetary-health/
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NT orders another two big batteries to back solar and gas after “success” of first project in Darwin
The Northern Territory government is investing $82.1 million in two new big battery projects in Katherine and Alice Springs to balance increasing solar energy and reduce reliance on gas generators. These projects aim to strengthen energy security, stabilize the grid, and support more solar integration, creating a modern, reliable, and secure energy system for the future. Territory Generation and Pacific Energy are key players in the development of these battery projects, which are expected to be completed by early 2028. The construction of these batteries will not only meet energy performance targets in isolated systems but also stimulate the economy and create local jobs.
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“The scores are going off the charts”: Iran conflict boosts support for renewables and energy independence
Renewable energy messages of sovereignty and independence are gaining traction due to rising fuel prices and the Iran war, with solar and home battery retailers promoting energy independence. Politicians like federal energy minister Chris Bowen emphasize the affordability and reliability of renewable energy, despite some negativity towards renewables. A recent survey shows steady positivity towards the transition, with one third of respondents considering purchasing an electric vehicle. Cope warns against complacency in the industry and emphasizes the importance of policy settings and overcoming barriers to clean energy adoption to achieve the energy transition quickly and efficiently.
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Temukan Legonya: Bagaimana Indonesia Dapat Mengubah Pensiun Dini Generator Diesel Menjadi Program yang Dapat Diskalakan
Indonesia is making significant progress in replacing diesel generators with solar power and batteries, not just as a clean energy concept but as an economic and strategic proposition. The recent announcement by PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) is crucial in reducing dependence on imported fuel and lowering diesel generation costs. The de-dieselization program is seen as a short-term hedge against fuel import risks, price spikes, and maritime vulnerabilities. The estimated cost of transitioning to solar and battery power is around $2.5 billion to $3.4 billion, with a simple payback period of 3 to 5 years in optimistic scenarios and 4 to 6 years in more practical planning. Experts in Indonesia have outlined a structured path for replacing diesel with hybrid energy systems on small islands and isolated networks, focusing on a phased approach, standardized procurement, and modular components for efficient and cost-effective deployment of sustainable energy solutions.
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Perovskite–silicon tandem solar cells using zinc-doped tin oxide achieve comparable performance to indium tin oxide counterparts
Researchers led by Fraunhofer ISE have demonstrated zinc-doped tin oxide (ZTO) as a promising indium-free alternative to indium tin oxide (ITO) for recombination layers in fully textured perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells. ZTO offers comparable device efficiencies of 27-28% under current-matching conditions, providing a scalable, indium-free pathway for high-performance tandem photovoltaics without efficiency loss. The study compared ZTO, aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO), and ITO transparent conductive oxides, with ZTO showing superior compatibility with hybrid-processed perovskite top cells on TOPCon-based perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells. The research emphasizes the importance of processing parameters such as sputter parameters and annealing in tuning the structural and electrical properties of the transparent conductive oxides.
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Fossil fuels face higher taxes than electricity under EU bill
The European Commission is set to unveil a bill that will tax electricity at a lower rate than fossil fuels as part of a strategy to shift towards more renewable and nuclear energy sources. This initiative comes in response to the energy crisis following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and aims to make energy more affordable and reliable. The EU executive is preparing measures to mitigate the economic impact of the Iran war, which has disrupted oil and gas supplies from the Gulf region. The goal is to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and increase electricity generation from renewables and nuclear power.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/fossil-fuels-face-higher-taxes-than-electricity-under-eu-bill/
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Span and Nvidia to develop AI data centers in your backyard, lowering electric bills
Span has partnered with Nvidia to develop XFRA, a network of devices that convert unused electric capacity in homes and businesses into a distributed compute cloud. The nodes are placed at customer locations and connected to a smart service panel to manage energy usage, aiming to utilize untapped power capacity in residential homes and increase grid utilization. Homeowners and small businesses hosting the nodes will receive benefits such as discounted rates for electricity and internet, with the potential for optional solar installations to improve economics in high-cost markets. The XFRA program aims to create a synergistic, virtuous cycle that improves grid utilization and drives down per kilowatt hour electricity prices, offering significant opportunities for Span and broader benefits to all utility ratepayers in the long term.
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Togo opens solar minigrid tender
The government of Togo has launched a tender for the construction of solar minigrids in 27 rural localities as part of the Rural Electrification Project funded by the Islamic Development Bank. The project aims to electrify a total of 317 localities through solar minigrids, with interested bidders able to purchase tender documents and submit bids by May 26. The tender is split into two lots with specific solar and storage capacities, highlighting Togo's commitment to expanding access to clean energy solutions in rural areas.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/15/togo-opens-solar-minigrid-tender/