Western Australia's Labor government is establishing a $1.4 billion Clean Energy Fund to facilitate the transition from coal to renewables by the end of the decade. The fund will support network extensions like the Clean Energy Link (CEL) – East, enabling the integration of more wind and solar projects into the grid. This initiative is expected to add 3 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity and generate 800 local jobs during construction. The state government is fast-tracking the replacement of coal with new battery projects, wind farms, and grid expansions, signaling a significant shift towards cleaner energy sources.
Category: Buildings & Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Energy Sources
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Swapping Out Diesel For Solar & Batteries In The Amazon Rainforest
Affordability is driving the increase in new renewable energy installations at both grid and individual levels, with solar and wind, along with battery storage, becoming more popular due to decreasing costs. In areas like Africa, Pakistan, and the Amazon rainforest, the transition to solar energy is robust, supported by federal policy, falling technology costs, and philanthropic initiatives. Brazil has successfully increased its wind and solar power capacity to meet and exceed electricity demand growth, reducing the need for fossil fuel generation and lowering power sector emissions. The growth of renewables in Brazil has been significant, with the decline in hydro generation leading to a shift towards wind and solar power, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and presenting opportunities to avoid costly imports. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind can provide a more sustainable and cost-effective solution, especially in rural areas where diesel generators are currently used.
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Republicans Cry Uncle On The “Beautiful” Tax Incentive Fadeout
Some Republicans in Congress are pushing for the "American Energy Dominance Act" to revive key incentives for commercial energy efficiency upgrades and new energy-efficient homes, aiming to address energy issues and appeal to voters. NABTU supports the bill, which includes provisions for energy efficiency tax credits and clean hydrogen incentives to support job creation and strengthen domestic energy supply. The Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program, focusing on green hydrogen production, aims to expand the domestic hydrogen supply chain. Water electrolysis technology advancements are expected in the next seven years, with Republican members proposing tax incentives for energy efficiency and clean energy to support these efforts.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/25/do-over-republicans-cry-uncle-on-federal-tax-incentives/
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New panel of climate scientists calls for fossil fuel transition roadmaps
A new panel of experts, including top climate scientists, is urging governments to develop science-based and just roadmaps for phasing out fossil fuels. The panel's recommendations were presented in Santa Marta, Colombia, ahead of a ministerial meeting on transitioning away from coal, oil, and gas. The panel emphasizes the need for whole-of-government plans to overcome barriers to the energy transition. A draft roadmap for Colombia, developed with input from European scientists, shows a pathway to economic and societal benefits through phasing out fossil fuels with energy efficiency measures and renewable energy. Developing countries need an exit route from the "debt trap" of fossil fuels to enable a just and effective transition. Brazil is working on a national roadmap for its economy and leading a global roadmap for climate solutions, with the new panel aiming to provide more specific and targeted advice at a faster pace than the IPCC. The transition beyond fossil fuels depends on cities and collective action, with recommendations including banning new fossil fuel infrastructure and implementing carbon levies on imports. The panel will be co-chaired by experts from Cameroon, Germany, and Brazil, and will consist of scientists working on transition pathways, technological solutions, policies, and finance.
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Renewables rising, Part 1: How four countries are reshaping energy security
The disruption of oil and gas supplies in the Strait of Hormuz highlights the vulnerability of the global energy system tied to fossil fuels. UN Secretary-General emphasizes the importance of transitioning to renewables for energy security and economic resilience. Countries like Norway, Paraguay, Nepal, and Ethiopia are leading the way in renewable energy adoption, with a focus on hydropower and a gradual shift away from fossil fuels in various sectors. Renewables offer stable, domestic, and cheaper power, while also cutting emissions, reducing pollution, creating jobs, and lowering long-term costs. Nepal and Ethiopia are reducing their dependence on imported fossil fuels by focusing on hydropower, expanding rural electrification, and developing decentralized renewable systems to achieve universal electricity access and support economic development. Challenges in financing and infrastructure remain, but the transition to renewables is seen as unstoppable and beneficial for the future.
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Why the transition beyond fossil fuels depends on cities and collective action
The world must transition away from fossil fuels, but this requires structural transformation of economies and governance, not just technological substitution. Fossil fuels are deeply embedded in economic systems, leading to financial and institutional incentives that favor short-term extraction. Cities play a crucial role in accelerating the transition by reshaping demand, accelerating innovation, and demonstrating that a different model is possible. Transitioning away from fossil fuels not only lowers costs and improves public health, but also rebuilds trust in public institutions. Cities like Melbourne, Curitiba, Johannesburg, and Bogotá are taking significant steps towards reducing fossil fuel use and increasing renewable energy capacity, part of a global effort to halve fossil fuel use in C40 cities by 2030. The First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels in Santa Marta aims to bring together various stakeholders, including cities, to identify concrete pathways for a just and equitable transition, focusing on transforming energy supply and demand, overcoming economic dependence, and strengthening international cooperation to redefine development in a sustainable way. The message from Santa Marta is that the end of the fossil fuel era is already underway, and the focus now should be on ensuring a just, coordinated, and irreversible transition.
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Japanese scientists build all-perovskite tandem solar cell with 30.2% efficiency
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed an all-perovskite tandem solar cell using FAPbI3 nanoparticles, achieving 30.2% efficiency by combining a wide-bandgap top cell and a narrow-bandgap bottom cell. FAPbI3 is known for its high efficiency in solar cells but can transform into a non-functional phase, limiting performance. The researchers used a two-step method to fabricate the perovskite layers, stabilizing the material and improving durability. The four-terminal spectral splitting architecture of the device minimizes losses and efficiently utilizes the solar spectrum across both cells. The study suggests that carefully chosen spectral splitting wavelengths can lead to high efficiencies in both four-terminal and two-terminal perovskite solar cell architectures, with practical deployment options including outdoor photovoltaic systems and integration with concentrator photovoltaics.
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UK solar developer secures $1.1 billion financing package
Enviromena, an independent power producer, has secured a £825 million ($1.1 billion) senior portfolio financing package to support the buildout of a 1 GW solar pipeline in the UK. The financing, underwritten by institutional investors, includes an initial £525 million with an additional £300 million available for expansion. With a development pipeline exceeding 3 GW and over 120 solar plants built to date, Enviromena aims to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and support the UK's energy transition. This landmark financing package is a significant step towards achieving climate solutions and reducing carbon emissions in the UK.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/24/uk-solar-developer-secures-1-1-billion-financing-package/
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Q&A: China’s leadership calls for ‘strict control’ of fossil fuels
China's new 'opinions' document on climate policy emphasizes the importance of energy security and decarbonization, marking a significant step towards controlling fossil fuels and transitioning to cleaner energy sources. The document connects decarbonization efforts with energy security and industrial development for the first time at a high-level policy level, highlighting the role of low-carbon energy in China's energy system. It focuses on limiting coal use, increasing non-fossil energy consumption, and covering all new power demand with clean energy. The document also strengthens climate evaluation rules, with measures for reviewing and evaluating carbon-reduction efforts and grading local governments on their carbon-reduction efforts. Provinces failing to meet control indicators will face corrective measures, showing a commitment to accountability and compliance in achieving climate targets.
https://www.carbonbrief.org/qa-chinas-leadership-calls-for-strict-control-of-fossil-fuels/
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How Google turned its climate program into an AI booster
Google's carbon-intelligent computing platform is being used to connect data centers to the grid efficiently, allowing for energy-intensive tasks to be assigned when renewable energy is abundant. Other technology companies and utilities are also exploring demand response deals to address energy needs and support clean energy goals. Reports recommend more research into renewable and nuclear energy, as well as leveraging AI models to mitigate stresses on the energy grid. Demand response programs for data centers are seen as a way to enable the development of more clean energy in the future, with the potential to add 76 gigawatts of new load to the grid with minimal capacity expansion. Flexible data centers are transforming into valuable resources for integrating renewable energy and supporting the transition to carbon-free resources.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/how-google-turned-its-climate-program-into-an-ai-booster-2/