The Victorian parliamentary report on 'Renewable and Affordable Energy for Apartments' emphasizes the need to shift focus to consumer-side measures for existing and new apartment buildings, promoting energy efficiency, storage, and smart management. The 'plug-in revolution' advocates for addressing electricity consumption challenges in older apartments with modern appliances. Additionally, the potential of 'smart' small batteries is highlighted to reduce electricity demand, especially in the context of emerging Electric Vehicle charging needs. Utilizing EVs to power homes in Australia is suggested as a faster and more affordable solution, emphasizing the importance of breaking free from past practices for a sustainable energy system.
Category: Buildings & Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Energy Sources
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India’s model solar villages
Distributed renewable energy (DRE) systems are gaining popularity in India for generating electricity locally, driving rural development, empowering communities, and building economic resilience. India is actively implementing DREs in villages and rural areas to address climate change and promote sustainable energy solutions.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/08/19/indias-model-solar-villages/
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Chinese scientists achieve record-breaking 24.0% efficieny for meter scale perovskite solar modules
Researchers have developed a perovskite solar module with a record-breaking power conversion efficiency of 24.0% using lead carboxylate passivators, achieving a champion efficiency of 24.2% and demonstrating enhanced resistance to environmental stressors. The use of LCP passivators resulted in improved charge extraction and reduced carrier trapping, leading to high durability under standardized testing that surpassed the reliability requirements of IEC 61215. A new manufacturing process combining high-saturated-vapor-pressure processing with chemically stable LCP passivation has been developed for efficient, durable, and scalable meter-scale perovskite photovoltaics, offering a promising industry-ready route for the production of perovskite solar modules.
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Autonomous Electric Freight Trucks Scaling Up In Europe
Einride and DAF Trucks are partnering to integrate Einride's autonomous driving system into DAF's premium vehicle platform for autonomous long-distance trucking, aiming to commercialize SAE Level 4 autonomous electric freight transportation. This collaboration addresses industry challenges such as driver shortages and rising operating costs, with experts defining and testing the integration of the autonomous drive system within DAF's electric truck platform. The initiative reflects the rapid evolution of scalable autonomy solutions for heavy-duty transport, showcasing a commitment to innovation and future-proofing the logistics sector for a more efficient, safer, and sustainable freight ecosystem.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/08/17/autonomous-electric-freight-trucks-scaling-up-in-europe/
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“Electric Saul:” Rewiring Australia launches AI-backed tool to help households electrify
Rewiring Australia's Electric Saul, an AI-powered tool supported by Google's Digital Future Initiative team, offers personalized advice on electrifying homes by analyzing individual situations and providing information on available electrification options and potential savings. CEO Francis Vierboom highlighted the tool's ability to incorporate details about a user's home, location, car, and goals to create a practical plan for electrification. Electric Saul excels at providing tailored guidance based on specific questions and plans, making it a valuable resource for those looking to transition to more sustainable energy solutions.
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ForeFront Power Completes Its First Erthos Solar Energy System for the City of Fresno
ForeFront Power has achieved commercial operation of its first Erthos solar energy system at the City of Fresno's Northeast Surface Water Treatment Plant, eliminating the need for structural steel and reducing development costs. The system, part of a larger solar energy and smart battery storage portfolio for the City of Fresno, is expected to save over $122 million in ratepayer dollars by 2045. With a high energy density and cost-effective maintenance, the Erthos Earth Mount Solar system offers higher generating capacity per acre and adaptability to natural topography. ForeFront Power and Erthos are working together to optimize system performance, with the ErthBot PV array cleaner ensuring efficient operation.
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“It’s literally life-changing for us:” The drought-stricken farmers looking to wind and solar to secure their future
The Sutherlands, sixth-generation farmers in northern NSW, faced a devastating drought in 2019 that turned their farms into dustbowls. They are now looking to renewable energy as a solution, setting aside half of their property for a solar farm expansion. The NSW government will pay them for hosting part of the transmission line, providing guaranteed revenues to help the farm ride out fluctuating weather and reduce debt. The success of this renewable energy project is crucial for the Sutherlands' succession plans and the prosperity of their farm. In New England, Australia, farmers are considering hosting wind turbines and solar panels on their land to diversify operations and create jobs in a renewable energy zone. Despite some opposition, many in the community support the development of renewable energy projects to drought-proof farming and boost the local economy.
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Community-Led Climate Resilience With The Solution Project Help People To Thrive
The Solutions Project, founded by Marco Krapels, Mark Jacobson, and Mark Ruffalo, has launched a new website showcasing community-led climate resilience projects across the US, from California to the Northern Mariana Islands. Initiatives like the Solar Generator Loaner Program in the Northern Mariana Islands and the resilience hubs in California are rooted in principles of trust, mutual aid, and Just Recovery, focusing on community-led solutions to climate challenges. In Texas, the Harris County Climate Justice Plan prioritizes prevention over disaster response, investing in mitigation to save the county $6 for every $1 spent. These efforts highlight the importance of community input and collaboration with grassroots organizations to promote 100% renewable energy and create a sustainable, safe, and equitable future for all.
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Gas Stations are Changing Globally. How Has It Changed in Your Town? (Part 2: Europe)
Legacy retail networks in Western markets are undergoing a transformation towards electric vehicle charging infrastructure, with companies like BP Pulse, TotalEnergies, Circle K, and Fastned leading the way. These developments are driven by strict regulations, surging electric vehicle adoption, and the shift towards clean energy solutions. Operators are integrating on-site battery energy storage systems and power purchase agreements tied to renewable generation to support electric vehicle charging. The conversion of gas stations into electric vehicle charging hubs in urban areas like London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam reflects a broader shift towards clean energy and sustainable community spaces in Europe.
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KIT develops hybrid solar system with radiative cooling
Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have developed a hybrid system that combines solar energy harvesting with passive daytime radiative cooling to provide electricity, heat, and cooling from a single surface. The system integrates photovoltaics with a transparent cooling layer that emits heat into space through the atmospheric window, achieving cooling of up to 6.5 C below ambient temperature while generating electricity and heat. The team plans to optimize the system for widespread use on roofs and facades to provide multifunctional energy solutions, showcasing a promising advancement in climate-friendly technology.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/08/14/kit-develops-hybrid-solar-system-with-radiative-cooling/