Elemental Impact, supported by leading technology companies and philanthropic partners, has launched the Data Center Innovation Initiative (DCII) to accelerate the deployment of next-generation energy and materials technologies in data center environments. With investments ranging from $500,000 to $5 million per project, the DCII will focus on technologies such as energy storage, advanced electrical systems, industrial cooling solutions, and low-carbon materials to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency. The goal is to scale these solutions to improve local energy availability, reduce emissions, and accelerate integration into new data center builds and retrofits, with the support of partners like Salesforce and Wilson Sonsini. Through collaboration with companies, local stakeholders, and investors, Elemental aims to de-risk projects and accelerate the path to deployment, ultimately creating environmental and economic benefits while supporting local communities in the face of increasing demand for power.
Category: Buildings & Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Energy Sources
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Storing renewables with compressed air in urban heating pipeline
Researchers in China have developed a heating pipeline compressed-air energy storage (HP-CAES) concept that repurposes urban district heating networks for storing surplus renewable electricity. The system stores compressed air and recovered compression heat within existing pipelines, improving efficiency and reducing infrastructure requirements. The method allows for simultaneous heating and energy storage functions without complex modifications, enabling widespread application in urban heating networks. The HP-CAES system was designed using thermodynamic modeling and simulations, with a total compressed-air storage volume of 38,334.69 m3 in three pipeline sections. A study compared an adiabatic compressed air energy storage (HP-CAES) system using a heating pipeline as storage with a metal tank-compressed air energy storage (MT-CAES) system. The HP-CAES system showed higher energy storage density and efficiency, especially when using sliding pressure mode. Optimizing pressure ranges and stage numbers is crucial for balancing energy efficiency, storage density, and ecological performance. The HP-CAES system also had lower investment costs and shorter payback periods compared to the MT-CAES system, making it a favorable option for urban heating networks.
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France Plans to Double Domestic Electricity Production Share
Europe, led by France, is making significant strides in shifting away from Russian energy by increasing domestic electricity generation and transitioning to cleaner technologies. France aims to double its electricity from domestic sources by 2030, supporting nuclear power and renewable energy while transitioning the auto industry to electric vehicles and expanding EV charging infrastructure. This shift not only presents economic opportunities and creates jobs in the renewable energy sector but also reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, contributing to climate solutions and improving the economy through increasing electrification and homegrown clean energy production.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/26/france-plans-to-double-domestic-electricity-production-share/
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The grid is in better shape this summer. Thank solar and batteries.
Renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, have shown significant growth and contribution to the grid, overshadowing new fossil gas generation. Solar power, in particular, has proven to be a valuable asset during peak summer demand, with batteries playing a crucial role in storing excess solar power for later use. The combination of solar and batteries has helped reduce the risk of blackouts in regions like California and Texas. The report emphasizes that renewables are cost-effective and can be built quickly, making them essential in meeting high energy demand during extreme heat periods. Overall, renewables, especially solar and batteries, are key solutions in reducing grid risk and ensuring reliable energy supply.
https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/clean-energy/grid-better-shape-this-summer
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How Illinois’ energy policy blueprint can address affordability, reliability
Illinois has passed the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability (CRGA) Act to address rising energy prices and grid challenges by focusing on local solar, storage, and energy efficiency. The act aims to avoid reliance on slow-to-build centralized power plants like gas and nuclear, utilizing community power networks and virtual power plant programs instead. The implementation of a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) will manage peak energy demand and avoid costly spot power from peaker plants, while also targeting 3 GW of utility-scale energy storage by 2030. Illinois is taking a proactive approach to creating a cleaner and more affordable grid, leading the energy transition with a focus on efficiency, storage, and long-term energy planning to ensure reliability without relying on fossil fuels.
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/illinois-energy-policy-affordability-reliability-vote-solar/820280/
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China solar exports hit all-time record in March as Africa, Asia demand jumps
In March 2026, China exported a record volume of solar components, totaling 68 gigawatts in solar capacity, as fossil fuel prices rose and tax rebates for clean technology ended. This surge in demand led to 50 countries setting all-time records for Chinese solar imports, with African nations experiencing a significant increase in demand. Despite China's decision to end tax rebates, African countries are continuing to rapidly expand their solar energy capacity, with prices expected to rise but not reverse the clean energy transition. Asian nations, including India, also increased their imports of Chinese solar components, reflecting a global trend towards solar energy adoption.
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The Future of Home Energy Is an Intelligent Ecosystem
The future of home energy management lies in intelligent, connected systems that prioritize solar power, batteries, and smart controls to optimize electricity usage. Homeowners can design an energy ecosystem based on their priorities, such as lowering bills, ensuring essential appliances remain powered during outages, and preparing for future electrification. Integrated systems with solar, battery backup, and smart controls offer flexibility and options for managing energy consumption effectively. The goal is to create a more efficient home energy system that benefits both homeowners and the environment, with features like bidirectional EV charging, virtual power plants, and utility programs incentivizing energy shifting. Randy Sprout, COO with 35 years of experience, leads the way in innovation and performance in the technology and energy sectors.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/25/the-future-of-home-energy-is-an-intelligent-ecosystem/
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Fujiyama Power to set up 1.2 GW TOPCon solar cell manufacturing facility in India
Fujiyama Power Systems is planning to establish a 1.2 GW TOPCon solar cell manufacturing facility in Madhya Pradesh, India, to enhance its presence in the on-grid rooftop solar segment. The facility, set to commence commercial production in the first quarter of fiscal year 2028, will be financed through debt and internal accruals. This expansion is aimed at reducing cost volatility, securing DCR-compliant solar cell supply, improving margins, and solidifying the company's position in India's rooftop solar market. Being included in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy's ALMM-II list positions Fujiyama Power Systems to benefit from the increasing demand for DCR solar panels under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
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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/
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Another first for renewables: Wind and solar outgenerate gas in April
In April, wind and solar energy surpassed natural gas in global electricity production for the first time, marking a significant shift from just five years ago. Last year, solar alone met 75% of new electricity demand, leading to a decline in fossil-fuel power generation. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has underscored the importance of renewable energy as disruptions in natural gas exports caused supply shortages and price spikes. Although coal still produces more electricity globally, its share is decreasing, signaling a shift towards renewable energy sources.
https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/clean-energy/wind-solar-outgenerate-gas-april