In the second quarter of 2026, rooftop solar installations in Australia reached a new record of 1 gigawatt, with many systems being paired with batteries through the Cheaper Home Batteries scheme. Home battery installations also saw a record high, with over 111,000 approved batteries installed. This surge in consumer energy resources is impacting the grid by lowering wholesale prices and decreasing grid demand. Furthermore, large-scale solar investment hit a record high in the quarter, indicating a significant acceleration in the transition towards renewable energy solutions.
Category: Buildings
Cut Emissions:
– Shift Energy Sources
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ClearVue announces coating breakthrough for energy-generating solar glass
ClearVue Technologies has achieved a manufacturing breakthrough with their Gen 3 solar vision glass units, allowing them to accept high-performance Low-E coatings to control solar heat entering buildings. This development makes energy-generating glass more accessible for commercial projects, as it can now be coated using existing systems. ClearVue is the only BIPV supplier offering this capability while generating renewable energy, allowing architects and engineers to specify performance requirements while incorporating clean energy generation into building design. This advancement is part of ClearVue's efforts to make energy-generating glass a standard commercial practice, contributing to sustainable building solutions.
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A Colorado school built to weather the storm
Mountain Middle School in Durango, Colorado has successfully transitioned to a net-zero-energy, all-electric building through the implementation of solar installations and battery energy storage systems. Led by Executive Director Shane Voss, the school has funded the project through existing per pupil revenue and grants, showcasing the potential for schools to set a national example for sustainable and climate-resilient practices. The school's solar arrays and battery storage system not only allow it to operate independently during power outages, making it a resilience hub for the community, but also serve as a learning laboratory for students, inspiring interest in clean energy careers. By transforming its gymnasium into a community resilience hub with a solar microgrid, Mountain Middle School is not only saving $28,000 per year in electricity costs but also influencing other schools and families to install solar energy systems, demonstrating the practical benefits of renewable energy to the broader community.
https://generation180.org/blog/colorado-school-built-to-weather-the-storm/
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California virtual power plant bills clear key legislative hurdle
Climate solutions experts need to be aware of the latest developments in renewable energy technology, such as advancements in solar and wind power. These innovations are crucial for transitioning away from fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, experts should stay informed on policies and initiatives aimed at promoting clean energy and sustainability. Collaboration between governments, businesses, and communities will be essential in implementing effective climate solutions and combating climate change.
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Florida builds to adapt amid threats of sea level rise and worsening storms
Architects, researchers, and companies in Florida are leading the way in developing climate resilient infrastructure to adapt to rising sea levels and more frequent storms. Projects like 3D-printed living seawalls, affordable senior housing designed to withstand storm surges, and transformed public spaces that double as flood infrastructure are being implemented. Future Vision Studios has proposed a regional resilience master plan called The Coastline to protect Southern Florida, while the University of Miami's Center for Urban and Community Design is working to make climate resilient projects more accessible to lower-income communities. Initiatives in South Florida are incorporating multiple services into road construction and creating "sponge parks" to manage stormwater, with the hope that these solutions can be replicated in other states facing similar climate challenges.
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Quinbrook advances plans for polysilicon factory in Australia
Quinbrook-owned Solquartz has partnered with Townsville City Council to construct Australia's inaugural quartz-to-silicon manufacturing complex at Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct. The project encompasses a polysilicon manufacturing plant fueled by solar and battery energy storage, with the Northern Quartz Campus set to generate silicon products for solar panels and other technologies. With an estimated cost of AUD 8 billion, the initiative is slated to begin operations by 2030, with the goal of positioning Townsville as a center for advanced manufacturing powered by renewable energy.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/08/24/quinbrook-advances-plans-for-polysilicon-production-plant/
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Korean scientists unveil 10 kW chemical adsorption heat pump prototype
Researchers from the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials have developed a chemical adsorption heat pump for cooling applications in commercial buildings, factories, and data centers. This system uses waste heat to release refrigerant, which is then condensed and evaporated to provide cooling or heating. The system is primarily driven by waste heat, requiring minimal electricity for auxiliary equipment. It achieved a specific cooling power of 346.5 W/kg and uses ammonia as a natural refrigerant, making it environmentally friendly.
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Transforming Britain’s Old Coalfields Into Clean Energy Sources
In Gateshead, England, a mine water heat network has been successfully implemented to draw warmth from flooded mine workings, saving 72,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide over 40 years. The system uses a water-source heat pump to extract heat from geothermally warmed water, delivering five to six units of heat for every unit of electricity used. This initiative showcases the potential of utilizing renewable energy sources and existing infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions and lower energy bills for residents and businesses. The success of similar projects in Canada, the Netherlands, and potentially in northern China highlights the significant climate solution that mine water energy systems can offer if implemented effectively.
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/mine-water-heat-gateshead/
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EU adopts budget-flexibility guidelines for photovoltaics, heat pumps, and BESS
The European Commission has extended the national escape clause for defense to include energy security measures during 2026-2028, allowing flexibility in budgetary spending to support the transition away from fossil fuels and strengthen energy security. Criteria such as additionality, effectiveness, and sustainability of public finances will be considered for accessing this flexibility. Eligible measures include investments in renewable energy, energy storage technologies, nuclear power plants, electric vehicle infrastructure, and building energy renovations. Member States must provide a list of planned energy security measures and estimated costs for approval by the Commission.
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August 2026 Newsletter
The Community Carbon Efficient Cooking Programme in Tanzania has achieved a milestone by receiving CORSIA First Phase Eligible labels for credits generated through the distribution of energy-efficient cookstoves. This project aims to reduce emissions, indoor air pollution, and pressure on forests caused by traditional charcoal stoves used in low-income households. By using Verra's cookstoves methodology, the project has reached over 224,000 households, created jobs, and reduced cooking time. The project is registered with Verra's Verified Carbon Standard Program and generates carbon credits to finance its emission reduction efforts.