The Victorian government has approved plans for the construction of Australia's largest wind farm, the Warracknabeal Energy Park, in the Wimmera region. The project, developed by WestWind Energy, will consist of 219 turbines with a capacity of over 1.5 gigawatts, paired with battery energy storage systems, aiming to contribute significantly to Victoria's renewable energy targets. The $5 billion project, which has undergone a rigorous Environmental Effects Statement process, is expected to create nearly 950 jobs during construction and ongoing local jobs once operational. Support for independent media like Renew Economy is crucial for providing accurate information on climate-related issues and ensuring the availability of reliable news and analysis on climate solutions.
Category: Electricity & Industry
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Cut Fugitive Emissions
– Shift Production
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EU households could save over €2,200 a year by electrifying homes and transport – report
Transitioning from gas boilers to heat pumps and combustion engines to electric vehicles in the EU could save households around €2,220 a year, equivalent to almost two years of free heating. This analysis emphasizes the significant financial benefits of switching to cleaner energy sources, showcasing the potential for cost savings for consumers. By investing in these climate solutions, households can not only reduce their carbon footprint but also enjoy substantial savings on their energy bills. This shift towards cleaner energy sources is crucial for both environmental sustainability and economic prosperity in the long term.
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Ethiopia Leads EV Revolution In Africa
Ethiopia is leading the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in Africa, with over 115,000 EVs on its roads, accounting for 8% of all cars. The country's shift towards EVs is driven by high fuel prices, shortages, and a ban on importing internal combustion engine vehicles. Ethiopia aims to reduce reliance on imported fuel, strengthen energy security, and promote green policies by increasing the number of EVs and doubling power generation through renewable sources. Despite challenges with charging infrastructure in rural areas and concerns about battery durability and depreciation, the transition to EVs in Ethiopia is seen as a way to reshape energy usage and benefit the country as a whole.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/17/ethiopia-leads-ev-revolution-in-africa/
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A detailed look at offshore wind in the US and globally
President Trump's decision to halt offshore wind projects in the U.S. contradicts the global trend of embracing offshore wind as a clean energy solution. Despite this, the U.S. has three operational offshore wind farms and more in development, with China leading the world in offshore wind capacity. Projects like Vineyard Wind and Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind are crucial for producing clean energy and saving customers money on electricity bills. The financial impact of halting these projects includes a $10 billion loss in jobs and investments, as well as missed energy savings for ratepayers. Offshore wind development has brought $25.5 billion in investments to the U.S. and supports 18,000 jobs in the industry.
https://apnews.com/article/offshore-wind-energy-climate-trump-b8be5561c56d8932ef97fcbec9062fe1
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14 New EV Chargers To Be Installed In Aspen, Colorado
Aspen, Colorado is expanding its public EV charging infrastructure with 14 new chargers at seven sites, adding to the existing 24 ports in the city. The move to electrification is seen as crucial in addressing climate change impacts and rising gas prices. The total cost for the new chargers is estimated at $217,297.08, making them affordable for the city. Electric vehicles can be charged with clean, renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal, aligning with Aspen's 100% renewable energy goal and supporting the transition away from fossil fuels.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/17/14-new-ev-chargers-to-be-installed-in-aspen-colorado/
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PV power generation to surpass coal in Texas
Texas is on track to surpass coal-fired generation with utility-scale solar power by 2026, as solar generation is projected to reach 78,000 GWh compared to coal's 60,000 GWh in the ERCOT grid. The state is experiencing a surge in solar capacity additions, with plans to install 14 GW of new utility-scale solar. Texas is a key player in the energy transition, with significant battery storage planned to stabilize the grid as renewable penetration increases. By early 2027, solar and wind combined are expected to exceed 20% of the total U.S. electricity generation mix.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/16/pv-power-generation-to-surpass-coal-in-texas/
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Canada Needs A Second Golden Spike For Electricity
Canada's federal government is working on a National Electricity Strategy to double grid capacity by 2050, focusing on clean, reliable, and affordable electricity. The strategy includes generation, transmission, distribution, storage, grid modernization, and workforce development, aiming to deliver up to $15 billion in energy savings by 2050. It emphasizes the importance of an electrification-first approach to decarbonization, efficient movement of clean power across provincial boundaries, and strategic reduction of fossil fuel use. The strategy also highlights the need for clear regulations on gas plants, realistic nuclear planning, prioritizing efficiency and flexible demand, and faster energy savings measures. Indigenous participation, skilled workers, and collaboration with provinces are essential for successful implementation, with the federal government playing a key role in setting direction and supporting major projects.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/15/canada-needs-a-second-golden-spike-for-electricity/
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UK grants development consent for offshore wind farms
The UK Government has granted development consent for the Dogger Bank South (DBS) offshore wind projects and the North Falls offshore wind farm, increasing offshore wind capacity. The DBS projects, developed by RWE and Masdar, will have a combined capacity of 3GW and are located in the North Sea, benefiting businesses and communities in Yorkshire, the Humber, and the wider UK. The North Falls offshore wind farm, developed by RWE and SSE Renewables, will serve as an extension to the Greater Gabbard offshore wind farm, producing around 1GW of electricity. These projects will draw in private investment, create new jobs, and contribute to a total of up to 4GW of new offshore wind capacity. The article highlights the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources, sustainable practices in industries like agriculture and transportation, and the need for collaboration between businesses, governments, and consumers to achieve meaningful climate action, pointing towards a shift towards sustainability and innovation to address the climate crisis.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/uk-grants-development-offshore-wind/
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Women’s leadership is everywhere in Ukraine
The Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation has been established to enhance energy resilience in Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia, emphasizing the importance of decentralized renewable energy systems like solar panels and battery storage. Programs such as "100 Solar Schools" and "50 Solar Hospitals" aim to provide long-term energy independence and support critical infrastructure. The focus on localized energy systems highlights the shift towards energy security and independence. European support for Ukraine's transition to sustainable energy, including decentralized solar power plants and smart grids, can contribute to a more resilient energy future. Empowering women in the energy sector and engaging communities in sustainable energy solutions are key to achieving a sustainable and secure energy future.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/15/womens-leadership-is-everywhere-in-ukraine/
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Iberdrola launches 195MW Tâmega Norte wind farm in Portugal
Iberdrola's Tâmega Norte wind farm, part of the Tâmega Complex in Portugal, is the first grid-connected wind-hydro hybrid project on the Iberian Peninsula. This innovative project includes two wind farms integrated with a pumped-storage hydroelectric system to store energy for grid release, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions by over 230,000t annually. The collaboration with multiple international and national suppliers, funding from the European Investment Bank, and partnership with Norges Bank for a 49% stake upon completion highlight the global effort to combat climate change. Technologies like BladeLifter are being employed to transport large turbine blades with minimal environmental impact, showcasing a commitment to sustainable solutions in the renewable energy sector.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/iberdrola-launches-195mw-tamega-norte/