Cuba has rapidly transitioned to solar and wind power with assistance from China, increasing solar energy generation to over 20 percent in just 12 months to address US sanctions cutting off oil supply from Venezuela. The country aims to achieve energy independence by 2028 with up to 600 megawatts of battery storage, rendering the US oil blockade economically irrelevant. This transition showcases one of the fastest energy transitions achieved by a developing nation and could serve as a model for other countries facing energy crises. The conflict in the Middle East has also led to an increase in interest in personal renewable energy solutions, such as solar installations, home batteries, and EV chargers, signaling a potential tipping point for the world to embrace renewables.
Category: Buildings & Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Energy Sources
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Global renewable capacity to reach 8.4 TW by 2031, says GlobalData
GlobalData predicts that global renewable capacity will more than double to 8.4 TW by 2031, with solar PV leading the expansion and accounting for 56.1% of global renewable capacity. The Asia-Pacific region, led by China, is at the forefront of wind and solar deployment. However, the energy transition is uneven across regions, with potential weakening support for renewables in the United States. Artificial intelligence is increasingly being utilized in the power sector to improve generation forecasting and optimize energy storage, highlighting the importance of technological advancements in achieving climate solutions.
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Thin Film Solar Gets A Muscular Perovskite Makeover
Perovskite, a next-generation solar material, is gaining attention in the US solar industry, particularly with thin film solar manufacturer First Solar. Thin film solar technology offers lightweight, flexible, and spray-able solutions for high volume manufacturing, with lower costs and durability. First Solar, the only US-headquartered company among the world's largest solar manufacturers, aims to achieve 30% efficiency by 2030 and is expanding its operations in the US and overseas. With projections to reach 17 gigawatts of annual capacity by 2027, First Solar's use of perovskite in their solar cells could potentially replace the equivalent of 17 nuclear power plants and support 40,000 jobs in the US, advancing the development of PV solar devices for various markets. The shift towards renewable energy sources like solar and wind is reducing the reliance on natural gas and coal for energy production, with solar expected to account for 51% of the total new energy resources in the US.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/13/thin-film-solar-gets-a-muscular-perovskite-makeover/
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Orsted’s US project twice targeted by Trump delivers first power
Orsted's Revolution Wind project has successfully sent its first power to the New England grid, marking the start of commercial operations and a shift towards renewable energy sources. This milestone signifies progress in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and combating climate change by providing clean energy. The project's successful transmission of power demonstrates the advancement towards a more sustainable energy future in New England.
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Powerful new rooftop solar panel promises system sizes “previously out of reach”
Chinese solar manufacturer Aiko has launched a new, high-powered solar panel approved by the Clean Energy Council for sale in Australia. The ABC 60-cell module offers up to 545 kW of generating capacity, enabling homeowners to maximize system capacity on small rooftops, especially as they incorporate batteries, EV charging, and other electric loads. This innovative panel not only increases output and energy yield but also has the potential to boost electricity revenue for commercial rooftops. Aiko's design reduces the number of modules required, resulting in cost and installation time savings for users looking to enhance their renewable energy solutions.
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US Perovskite Solar Cell Startup Hits The Ground Running
Solar manufacturing in the US has seen a resurgence, with 65 new or expanded solar and energy storage factories commissioned in 2025, surpassing 60 gigawatts of domestic solar module production capacity. The entire solar supply chain has been re-shored, strengthening the case for solar power despite potential risks to factories under federal energy policy. US startup Swift Solar has acquired the intellectual property and manufacturing assets of Meyer Burger to produce tandem silicon-perovskite solar cells, aiming to increase efficiency beyond the current 30% ceiling. High-efficiency solar panels offer benefits such as land savings and cost reduction, with opportunities for agrivoltaic projects. UbiQD in New Mexico is scaling up manufacturing of perovskite solar cells, while a US startup is fueling growth in silicon-perovskite solar cell technology through the acquisition of assets from a bankrupt German firm.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/12/us-perovskite-solar-cell-startup-hits-the-ground-running/
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New modelling shows renewable electricity can meet NZ future demand
The government's plan to import LNG for energy security in New Zealand is questioned due to price volatility and the country's goal of achieving 100% renewable electricity generation by 2030. Analysis shows that investing in renewable energy generation and storage systems can meet future demand and exceed it, with offshore wind projects reducing the need for hydro electricity generation. The article discusses the use of excess grid power for pumped hydro storage and highlights the need for additional long-term storage capacity, such as the proposed pumped-hydro project at Lake Onslow. The country already has a regulatory roadmap for battery systems, with significant renewable generation and battery storage projects in development, suggesting that the electricity sector may not actually need the new LNG terminal infrastructure. Storage capacity, both short-term and long-term, is crucial for stabilizing a 100% renewable grid.
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Tunisia ussues tender for 300 MW solar plant with 150 MW/540 MWh storage
Tunisia is making significant strides in its renewable energy sector with the issuance of a tender for a 300 MW solar plant with storage, the country's first solar-plus-storage project located near Kébili. Independent power producers have until October 14 to submit offers, as Tunisia aims to reach 1 GW of operational solar capacity with the commissioning of a 120 MW solar project by Amea Power. The government has also granted licenses for four new utility-scale projects totaling 500 MW under a renewable energy tender, highlighting Tunisia's commitment to expanding its renewable energy infrastructure.
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District Cooling From the Pacific: A Targeted Efficiency for Oʻahu
The article discusses the fully electrified energy system on Oʻahu, focusing on the island's transition to electric technologies and renewable energy resources. Seawater district cooling systems offer a more energy-efficient approach to meeting the cooling demand of densely populated areas in Hawaii, such as Waikīkī and downtown Honolulu. These systems could potentially serve over 50,000 tons of cooling demand in these areas, resulting in energy savings of up to 92.5%. Seawater cooling systems in Oʻahu help reduce electricity consumption during peak hours, lowering the need for generation and storage capacity, and complement other renewable energy strategies in the island's electrified energy system.
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AI energy management system to unlock VPP potential
UNSW researchers are collaborating with Aussie Solar Batteries to develop AI-driven energy management platforms for optimizing solar and battery systems to support virtual power plant deployment. The project aims to improve grid stability, lower costs, and unlock greater value from distributed energy assets through forecasting, demand-side management, optimization algorithms, and digital-twin modeling. The partnership is part of the TRaCE initiative funded by the Australian government to fast-track advanced clean-energy technologies. The project, scheduled to run until the end of 2026, focuses on accelerating the commercial readiness of smarter batteries and AI-driven energy systems for more efficient solar and battery networks in Australia.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/05/ai-energy-management-system-to-unlock-vpp-potential/