The transition of the steel industry to cleaner practices involves understanding steel demand, utilizing old steel scrap, expanding electric arc furnaces, and reducing new iron needs. While hydrogen may play a role, the focus should be on shifting towards electric arc furnaces, clean electricity, and decreasing blast furnace use to reduce emissions. Factors like regional growth patterns, construction practices, and the interplay between steel and cement demand will influence the future of steel production. Supporting changes in production, implementing standards, using clean electricity, and improving scrap quality are crucial for decarbonizing the steel industry. The focus is on realistic, evidence-based solutions to address the complexities of achieving zero-carbon steel production.
Category: Electricity & Industry
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Cut Fugitive Emissions
– Shift Production
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Remote control robots that talk to each other are building solar farms in Australia
Luminous Robotics and other companies are utilizing remote-controlled robots to install solar panels at various projects in Australia, aiming to increase efficiency and productivity in the renewable energy sector. ARENA is working towards reducing the cost of large scale solar to below $20/MWh and improving cell efficiency by 30% by 2030, advancing clean energy solutions. The use of robotics in solar farm construction is seen as a solution to address the scarcity of human labor and reduce costs, with companies like Trinasolar and Leapting also exploring this technology.
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AfDB dashboard to track Africa’s electrification progress
The African Development Bank Group has launched the Mission 300 Progress Tracker to monitor the expansion of electricity access in Africa, aiming to connect an additional 300 million Africans by 2030 through various projects. With 74 active projects across multiple countries benefiting 5.2 million people and an additional 35 million expected to benefit in the future, the focus is on rural electrification and decentralized renewable energy solutions to accelerate energy access in remote areas. The dashboard will provide regular updates to improve transparency on the progress of energy projects in Africa.
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Colorado co-op delivers 100% renewables in March, a first
Holy Cross Energy in Colorado achieved providing renewable electricity equivalent to 100% of its members' needs in March, moving closer to their goal of continual renewable energy production from 2030 onwards. This milestone was made possible by favorable conditions for wind and solar energy production. The utility plans to add more flexible renewable resources to meet demand during non-solar hours and winter months, while maintaining system reliability and cost-effectiveness. With over 45,000 members served and an average of 92% clean energy delivered year-to-date in 2026, Holy Cross Energy's strategic partnership with The Energy Authority is helping to maximize renewable energy procurement efforts.
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Solar recycling: State tips $17.8 million into waste PV and battery collection, processing
Western Australia has allocated $17.8 million towards establishing collection and recycling pathways for end-of-life solar panels and batteries, following a federal pilot program and parliamentary inquiry into solar stewardship. The investment aims to reduce waste, recover valuable materials, and create a local recycling industry while supporting a more sustainable future. The state government believes this initiative will prepare them for the increasing use of solar panels and batteries, ultimately benefiting local jobs, businesses, and the environment.
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Google to fund 100-MW virtual power plant in PJM in ‘first-of-its-kind’ deal
Google is funding a three-year, 100-MW virtual power plant in the PJM Interconnection to meet data center demand, partnering with VPP operator Voltus to aggregate distributed energy resources. The company aims to make its data centers flexible and cost-effective by paying customers to shift electricity usage, addressing rising electricity costs and aggressive load growth from AI data centers in PJM. The pressure to meet rising demand is leading to increased utility capital spending on new gas-fired power plants, potentially impacting climate goals. The article highlights the need for a market overhaul to address peak demand driving up costs, with the partnership providing a repeatable path for other large energy users to follow and encouraging collaboration and transparency with utilities to build a multidirectional grid system.
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/google-virtual-power-plant-vpp-pjm-voltus/821838/
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New York City’s hydropower contract kicks off
The Champlain Hudson Power Express transmission line is now delivering hydropower from Quebec to New York City, powering all of the city's government operations and 20% of its electric load. NYSERDA's purchase of renewable energy credits from Hydro Quebec will cut carbon emissions by 3.7 million tons annually, equivalent to removing 44% of vehicles from NYC streets. This project marks a significant advancement towards a sustainable energy future in New York, showcasing the potential for large-scale renewable energy solutions to combat climate change.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/new-york-citys-hydropower-contract-kicks-off/
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The Kardashev Scale: Australia’s staggering energy transition and its untapped opportunity
Australia is on the brink of a significant energy transformation, moving towards renewables and storage to double electricity demand by 2050. The focus is on harnessing solar power to become a renewable energy superpower. The country exports a large amount of energy but also imports 90% of its liquid fuels for transport, leading to economic and security impacts. The transition to renewable energy in Australia, particularly in the South West Interconnected System, has been significant with a shift from thermal reliance to solar and battery generation. Rooftop-solar generation has increased dramatically, with battery generation also on the rise. This transition is setting the stage for exponential scaling of renewable energy in the future. Australia has the potential to emerge as a renewable energy superpower by embracing solar and storage technologies.
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Commercial Electric Fleet Operators In South Africa Prove 27% Cost Advantage — Infrastructure Scales To Meet Demand
South Africa's electric vehicle market is experiencing significant growth, with commercial fleets showing economic advantages and consumer interest increasing. The recent fuel price shock has strengthened the economic case for electric mobility in the country. Government incentives, such as a 150% tax deduction for investments in zero-emission vehicles, are attracting investment in local manufacturing. Industry leaders emphasize the need for partnerships with global battery suppliers and reforms to tax mechanisms to support zero-emission vehicle adoption. Early adopters in the commercial fleet sector have seen significant cost savings and operational efficiency with electric vehicles compared to diesel equivalents. The shift towards electric and electrified vehicles is evident, with evidence showing significant cost savings for EV drivers compared to petrol equivalents. Additionally, the installation of off-grid solar-powered ultra-fast charging stations is helping to support the growing demand for electric vehicles in the country. The latest generation of 800-volt vehicles in South Africa can handle fast charging and have a range of 800 kilometers. Speakers highlighted the need for policy reforms, incentives, and infrastructure support to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. Battery manufacturing is seen as a strategic priority for transitioning the automotive industry towards hybrids, battery electrics, and fuel cell electric vehicles. Transformation in dealer networks, service capabilities, and consumer education is also necessary for the industry. Infrastructure investment requires regulatory clarity for grid connection, smart charging standards, and grid integration planning with utilities.
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Tandem PV announces 30.4% efficient perovskite/silicon demonstration module
Tandem PV has achieved a record-breaking conversion efficiency of 30.4% with their perovskite glass tandem configuration module, surpassing the 30% efficiency barrier and showing promising durability with a 1% degradation rate per year. The company, with former U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm on board, aims to quickly scale production modules that could achieve 28% efficiency. Their design allows for integration with various cell technologies, ensuring continued improvement in the future and providing more affordable and reliable clean energy solutions for America.