Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Electricity & Industry

Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Cut Fugitive Emissions
– Shift Production

  • EVs Will Come Roaring Back, Rivian Edition

    Rivian, a US startup, is making strides in the electric vehicle market by producing premium 100% battery-powered vehicles and announcing more affordable models to cater to a new wave of EV buyers. Their partnership with ChargeScape allows their EVs to serve as grid energy storage units, providing easier access to utility-based savings plans. With the expanding EV charging infrastructure and mainstreaming of vehicle-to-grid technology, Rivian's large battery capacity makes their EVs valuable assets for utilities. Despite potential changes in Georgia's electrification movement post-election, Rivian is moving forward with plans to build a new factory in Georgia with federal support, positioning themselves as key players in the climate solutions space.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/16/rivian-evs-us-plans-v2g-discounts-new-factory-georgia/

  • Solar Energy Is Essential (Trump Just Won’t Admit It)

    Solar energy is recognized as the fastest and most economical way to increase kilowatts in the grid, with the US Air Force supporting the space solar industry. Germanium-based solar modules have set a new world record for solar conversion efficiency, but there is a shortage of germanium in the US. The Department of War has awarded $18.1 million to a domestic producer to address the germanium shortfall for defense applications. The US Air Force sees solar energy as a next-level logistics improvement over fossil fuels, with plans to deploy space-based systems to harvest solar energy in orbit and beam it down to Earth. Private sector stakeholders are working towards demonstrating space-based solar technology within the next 10 years. Research is being conducted by the USAF on space solar energy delivery to Earth, with a focus on fuel resupply in the Indo-Pacific region. The project, titled PERSEUS, aims to provide clean energy anywhere on Earth in the early 2030s. The technology could be used for defense applications once deployed, offering a way to reduce reliance on vulnerable fuel supply chains. Solar energy demand is also increasing on Earth, with the US solar industry dominating new utility-scale capacity additions to the nation's grid. Additionally, the US defense supplier York Space Systems has acquired the space solar startup Solestial to secure a domestic source for critical space solar capability. Solestial is preparing to produce new solar cells in the United States after acquiring manufacturing equipment from Meyer Burger. The company aims to expand its manufacturing capabilities and supply chain control with this strategic move. Solestial's focus is on in-space applications for its self-healing silicon solar technology. The US Air Force recognizes the importance of solar energy for national defense, potentially replacing fuel resupply missions for ground operations.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/15/space-solar-energy-us-air-force-essential/

  • Pseudo-planar heterojunction organic solar cell achieves world record efficiency of 20.21%

    A research team from China has proposed a novel interfacial buffering strategy for pseudo-planar heterojunction (PPHJ) organic solar cells (OSCs) to improve device stability and fabrication reliability. By incorporating a highly crystalline polymer called D18 as a buffer layer between the donor and acceptor layers, the PM6/D18/L8-BO-based device achieved a superior power conversion efficiency of 19.80%, surpassing conventional devices. Further modifications with a non-fullerene small-molecule acceptor led to an efficiency of 20.21%, one of the highest reported for PPHJ OSCs. The study, published in the Chinese Journal of Polymer Science, offers practical insights for enhancing device performance and morphology regulation in organic solar cells with controlled vertical phase separation morphology.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/15/pseudo-planar-heterojunction-organic-solar-cell-achieves-world-record-efficiency-of-20-21/

  • Fortescue to lease electric haul trucks as part of land deal with traditional owners

    Fortescue has reached a new agreement with the PKKP Aboriginal Corporation for the ownership and leasing of electric haul trucks as part of their path to achieving zero emissions by the end of the decade. The agreement includes provisions for the PKKP to own new mining equipment and lease it to Fortescue, creating a new revenue stream. The partnership aims to work together to protect heritage, create opportunities, and support development in the Pilbara region, with protections for Country, heritage, and resources, as well as a framework for engagement and communication about heritage and mine plans.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/fortescue-to-lease-electric-haul-trucks-as-part-of-land-deal-with-traditional-owners/

  • Powering the Future: Why Energy Justice is a Youth Issue

    The article discusses the barriers young people in South Africa face due to lack of access to affordable electricity, impacting their education, job-seeking, and overall opportunities. The country's reliance on coal-fired power stations leads to air pollution, high electricity costs, and unreliable service. The Free Basic Electricity (FBE) program aims to support vulnerable households but faces challenges in reaching eligible families. The article suggests investing in renewable energy to provide clean, affordable, and reliable power to communities, ultimately benefiting education, employment, public health, and economic opportunity for South Africa's young people. The section emphasizes the importance of ensuring that future generations have access to affordable energy, economic opportunity, and a healthy environment as a right. It highlights the need for action and power to create a better future, rather than just promises. The author calls for building a powerful climate movement with the belief in a safe climate and a better future for all, focusing on creating a just, prosperous, and equitable world through the collective power of ordinary people.

    https://350.org/energy-justice-is-a-youth-issue/

  • Clean energy just hit record investment

    The IEA's World Energy Investment 2026 report reveals that clean energy is outpacing fossil fuels in investment, with solar energy leading the way due to decreased costs. Countries like the Philippines, African nations, and India are rapidly adopting renewable solutions in response to energy crises. However, the money is not reaching the countries that need it most, as coal and gas investments are on the rise. The urgency for an energy transition is evident, as investing in new fossil fuel infrastructure locks in decades of emissions. Governments and individuals have the choice to combat the climate crisis by investing in renewables and stopping the enablement of polluters.

    https://350.org/clean-energy-just-hit-record-investment/

  • BMW Reaches 2 Million Electric Vehicles, Focusing More & More On Smart Home Technology

    BMW Group has reached a milestone by producing its 2 millionth fully electric vehicle, a BMW i5 M60 xDrive sedan, at the Dingolfing factory in Germany. The factory now builds three electric BMW models and is expanding a partnership with SOLARWATT to integrate bidirectional charging, solar, and home energy storage for their vehicles. The market launch for this integration is planned for late 2026 in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, showcasing BMW's commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/15/bmw-reaches-2-million-electric-vehicles-focusing-more-more-on-smart-home-technology/

  • $7,000 for Rooftop Solar Permitting!? Time to Automate It

    Lawmakers in New York are pushing for automated permitting of rooftop solar power systems through SolarAPP+, a platform developed by the US government and the solar industry. This app-based system aims to streamline the permitting process, saving money and supporting the solar industry. The New York legislation would require municipalities with over 5,000 residents to implement automated solar permitting by June 30, 2027. The barriers to residential solar adoption in the US, such as slow and complex permitting processes, can add significant costs to installations. Kingston, New York, is highlighted as a leader in embracing automated permitting for residential solar, with the hope that other states will follow suit to continue growing SolarAPP+ adoption.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/14/7000-for-rooftop-solar-permitting-time-to-automate-it/

  • World Record Set For Silicon Solar Module With Perovskite

    Persistent innovation in the global solar industry has led to new efficiency records being set for solar modules made with triple III-V germanium cells and tandem perovskite-silicon cells. The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Germany reported a record 34.2% conversion efficiency for a module made of triple III-V germanium cells, achieved through a new technique connecting cells directly to each other. Chinese firm Trinasolar also set a world record with a 29.2% conversion efficiency for its tandem perovskite-silicon solar module. California-based Tandem PV is making strides in the field as well, with their perovskite-silicon solar panels reaching 29.7% efficiency. The market is demanding higher performance and domestic capability in solar energy solutions, with companies like Tandem launching demonstration factories to produce high-power density, durable, and cost-effective solar panels.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/14/world-record-solar-efficiency-perovsite-silicon-trinasolar/

  • Most Efficient Solar Module in the World

    The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) has achieved a new solar module efficiency record of 34.4 percent in collaboration with AZUR SPACE and temicon, using III-V germanium solar PV modules. This was made possible by utilizing shingled matrix technology to interconnect the solar cells, eliminating the need for traditional solder-coated copper ribbons. The innovative approach of direct cell-to-cell contact and high area utilization contributed to the record efficiency, surpassing their previous record of 34.2 percent. This breakthrough in solar technology offers promising advancements in climate solutions for renewable energy production.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/12/most-efficient-solar-module-in-the-world-new-record/