Bill McKibben, a climate realist, acknowledges the dire state of the planet due to global warming but sees hope in the increasing use of alternative energy sources like solar and wind power. He notes the significant progress made in countries like China and Australia in transitioning to renewable energy. McKibben emphasizes the importance of shifting away from fossil fuels towards clean energy solutions to combat the climate crisis. The article also touches on the challenges posed by the current capitalist system that benefits from the extraction and distribution of fossil fuels. The shift towards renewable energy is noted, with examples like China exporting more green technologies than fossil fuels, and the potential for a more sustainable and equitable energy future is emphasized.
Category: Buildings & Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Energy Sources
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Sembcorp completes acquisition of 300 MW solar project in India
Sembcorp Industries has expanded its renewable energy operations in India by acquiring a 300 MW solar project in Rajasthan, connected to the national grid and operating under a 25-year power purchase agreement with Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd. This acquisition boosts Sembcorp's renewable energy capacity in India to over 7.6 GW, furthering its global renewables portfolio to 20.2 GW. This move highlights the company's commitment to sustainable energy solutions and contributes to the ongoing efforts to combat climate change through the expansion of renewable energy sources.
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Solar and storage program forecast to save all Massachusetts ratepayers $313 million per year
A report from Synapse Energy Economics and the Solar Energy Industries Association highlights the potential benefits of solar plus storage in Massachusetts. By meeting deployment targets set by the SMART 3.0 incentive program, ratepayers could save $313 million per year by 2030. The program aims to push older, inefficient natural gas plants out of the auction, resulting in lower wholesale electricity prices. Solar and storage technologies can reduce the state's reliance on natural gas during winter months, leading to cost savings and emissions reductions. The planned expansion of solar and storage could avoid the use of 29 billion cubic feet of natural gas and reduce CO2 emissions by 1.6 million metric tons annually by 2030.
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Earth blocks keep homes cool while cutting emissions in Kenya’s drylands
In Laikipia County, Kenya, the use of compressed earth blocks in housing construction is highlighted as a sustainable and climate-friendly alternative to traditional building materials. Initiatives like the Cement and Concrete Breakthrough Initiative and the Belém Call for Action for Sustainable and Affordable Housing are aiming to decarbonize the industry and promote sustainable building practices. The International Coalition for Building Climate Resilience (ICBC) emphasizes the importance of affordable, resource-efficient, low-carbon housing in achieving climate goals and sustainable development. This traditional building approach is gaining renewed attention in low-income communities facing the impacts of climate change, such as extreme heat. Additionally, buildings in West Africa, like the Museum of West African Art in Benin City, Nigeria, are being constructed using eco-friendly methods such as compressed earth blocks and rammed earth architecture, offering low-cost and energy-efficient solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings in the region.
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Nothing About Us Without Us
In Marajó, the community faces challenges with frequent power outages impacting daily life, highlighting the importance of energy access for basic rights and dignity. The connection between energy justice and climate justice is emphasized, especially as the impacts of the climate crisis worsen. The Marajó Observatory advocates for a transition to clean energy for energy security, amplifying community voices in decision-making spaces. 350.org and partners have implemented 10,000 solar energy systems in the Amazon, focusing on community participation and energy autonomy to ensure the National Energy Transition Plan reflects local needs and culture. The ultimate goal is to create a future where clean energy is a right, promoting climate and social justice.
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Could American “Spirited Self-Determination” Reshape Energy?
Schneider Electric has been partnering with the National Laboratory of the Rockies for a decade to tackle energy questions, focusing on projects such as analyzing the U.S. energy economy in 2050 and developing smart panels for homeowners. The partnership aims to bring together electric ingenuity, automation, artificial intelligence, and digital control to provide better energy solutions, with outcomes potentially leading to reduced energy costs and greater control over electricity flow for Americans. Schneider Electric is investing in technologies and systems to adapt to America's energy future, exploring plausible energy futures and preparing to navigate change based on insights. The partnership is also analyzing the potential energy and cost savings of smart panels for American consumers and utilities, with simulations being conducted to quantify the long-term benefits of this technology. Together, Schneider Electric and NLR are focused on making a significant impact in the energy sector, aiming for greater resilience, affordability, and competitiveness in the future energy landscape.
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/23/could-american-spirited-self-determination-reshape-energy/
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ArcelorMittal announces $900m renewable energy projects in India
ArcelorMittal has unveiled three new renewable energy projects in India, including a 250MW wind facility, 300MW solar facility, and 300MWh of battery storage in Bachau, Gujarat, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions by 1.59mt annually and add 1GW to their renewable capacity. CEO Aditya Mittal emphasized the importance of sustainable investments in the energy transition. These projects, along with others in Brazil and Argentina, will collectively provide 3.3GW of power generation capacity, contributing to climate solutions. The article also discusses the use of microgrids and distributed renewables, highlighting the use of AI-enabled Microgrid Management SystemTM and strategic partnerships to create networked microgrids for a more flexible and resilient energy grid, promoting sustainable energy solutions to address climate change effectively.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/arcelormittal-900m-renewable-energy-projects-india/
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Argentina inaugurates its first solar highway
Argentina has recently unveiled its first solar highway, the Circunvalación Avenue in San Juan, featuring 36 solar panel arrays with a capacity of 5 kW each. These panels are mounted on monopoles along the road and combined with inverters and LED lights to independently power the highway's nighttime lighting. The project, which created over 80 jobs during construction, is based on a distributed generation model used in other countries. San Juan's high solar radiation conditions enable the maximization of the capacity factor of the installed equipment, showcasing the potential for solar energy solutions in the region.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/23/argentina-inaugurates-its-first-solar-highway/
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Zambia Wants To Add 2.3MW Of Solar Coupled With A 4.16MWh Battery To Each One Of The Country’s 156 Constituencies
Zambia is implementing the Presidential Constituency Energy Initiative to diversify its energy mix and improve electricity access. With 87% of its grid powered by renewables, the country is focusing on solar energy to combat electricity rationing caused by dwindling water levels in hydropower plants. The initiative aims to deploy 2MW solar PV power plants with battery storage in all 156 constituencies, totaling 359 MWp capacity. This innovative approach could serve as a model for other countries in the South African Development Community and beyond, benefiting national development and providing localized energy resilience.
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Hyundai Motor Highlights WFP Partnership Achievements in Films on IONIQ 5’s Role in Sustainable Humanitarian Operations
Hyundai Motor Company has partnered with the UN World Food Programme to showcase the use of Hyundai IONIQ 5 electric vehicles in humanitarian operations in the Philippines and other countries. The deployment of IONIQ 5s, along with EV charging and solar PV infrastructure, aims to reduce emissions, achieve carbon neutrality, and support aid efforts. Hyundai Motor's donation of IONIQ 5 vehicles and support for energy efficiency initiatives demonstrate a commitment to addressing climate change and fostering sustainable humanitarian activities, providing lower-emission mobility solutions, saving operating costs, and enabling more access to renewable energy for food-insecure communities in climate-affected locations. The EVs feature advanced technologies to ensure efficient and sustainable transportation of supplies, showcasing Hyundai's dedication to innovative and sustainable humanitarian solutions.