Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Electricity & Industry

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

  • Calefa Oy releases waste heat-powered steam heat pump

    Finnish company Calefa Oy has introduced the AmbiSteam, a waste heat-powered steam heat pump that can produce process steam above 5 bar. CEO Petri Vuori claims that the efficiency of this system surpasses combustion-based technologies and electric steam generators. The AmbiSteam solution, based on the company's SteamLevel heat pump technology, is suitable for industries with steam demand between 300 kW to 5 MW and can be easily integrated into existing facilities without extensive construction. This innovation offers a promising climate solution for reducing carbon emissions in various industrial sectors.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/10/calefa-oy-releases-waste-heat-powered-steam-heat-pump/

  • Waya Electric Motorcycles’ Daily Use In Kenya’s Tsavo Conservation Area Takes E-Mobility To Where It Is Needed Most

    Kenya's electric motorcycle sector has experienced significant growth, particularly in the context of the motorcycle taxi industry. Companies like Waya Electric have entered the market with a focus on heavy-duty, rural, and B2B applications, designing motorcycles to handle tough conditions like long distances, heat, and steep terrain. These electric motorcycles are being utilized in wildlife conservation areas like the Tsavo Conservation Area, demonstrating their versatility and effectiveness in various applications. The use of electric motorcycles in remote and challenging terrains is proving to be reliable and relevant, showing the potential for electric mobility in similar areas across Africa. Solar-powered charging solutions for electric motorcycles are highlighted as a key innovation to address the unique challenges faced in African markets.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/09/waya-electric-motorcycles-daily-use-in-kenyas-tsavo-conservation-area-takes-e-mobility-to-where-it-is-needed-most/

  • Construction begins on Engie’s Pelican Point BESS in South Australia

    Sungrow and Engie are constructing the Pelican Point grid-forming battery energy storage system (BESS) in South Australia, set to be operational in H2 2027. The 200MW/400MWh BESS will enhance the region's renewable-rich power grid, providing storage, grid stability services, and system resilience for over 29,400 homes. Utilizing Sungrow technologies, the project will support South Australia's energy transition, enabling greater renewable integration and grid flexibility. Additionally, AI-enabled Microgrid Management SystemTM and networked microgrids are being implemented to rebuild the grid for a more flexible, resilient, and sustainable energy future.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/construction-engies-pelican-point-bess/

  • European Commission launches $6.06bn clean transition funding opportunities

    The European Commission has launched three new funding opportunities under the Innovation Fund, backed by €5.2bn sourced from EU Emissions Trading System revenues, focusing on net-zero technologies, low-carbon hydrogen, and decarbonising industrial process heat. The aim is to advance EU's 2030 climate and energy targets and achieve climate neutrality by 2050 while boosting industrial competitiveness and resilience. The funding supports projects that use innovative technologies with significant greenhouse gas reduction potential, including clean hydrogen as a substitute for fossil fuels in heavy industry and transport. Initiatives include the allocation of funds for renewable fuels production, decarbonisation of industrial process heat, and support for electrified and direct-renewable heat production in various industrial sectors. Hover Energy has won three 2025 Power Technology Excellence Awards for their innovative microgrid technology, including their AI-enabled Microgrid Management SystemTM and networked microgrids, contributing to a more flexible and resilient energy grid for the future.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/european-commission-clean-transition-funding/

  • Great British Energy unveils five-year strategy to boost UK renewable power

    Great British Energy (GBE) has unveiled a strategic plan to deliver a minimum of 15GW of clean energy generation and storage assets by 2030, aiming to supply power to around ten million households. The company plans to mobilize £15bn in private finance and support over 1,000 community energy projects to increase public participation in the domestic energy system, creating over 10,000 jobs, particularly in regions traditionally reliant on oil and gas industries. The plan includes investments in GBE Local, Onshore Energy, and Offshore Energy to accelerate the transition to renewable energy in the UK, focusing on the use of intelligent microgrids and distributed renewables to rebuild the energy grid for a more flexible and resilient future. The article highlights the use of an AI-enabled Microgrid Management SystemTM and strategic partnerships to create networked microgrids, aiming to create a more sustainable energy system that can better withstand climate-related challenges.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/great-british-energy-five-year-strategy/

  • Offshore wind farms could be used as charging hubs for electric and hybrid ships

    Two Danish companies are exploring the integration of offshore wind with marine electrification to reduce vessel-related greenhouse gas emissions. Stillstrom, a leader in marine technology, aims to provide offshore power and charging solutions for battery powered vessels. A joint white paper with the Port of Roenne on the Danish island of Bornholm will explore how offshore wind can support charging solutions for electric ferries and cargo vessels. Bornholm, designated as an energy island, is central to one of the busiest shipping corridors in Europe and plans to build offshore wind farms to support maritime electrification. The concept of "energy islands" as hubs for offshore power transmission is discussed, with estimates of 17 terawatt-hours of electricity needed for battery-powered vessels. This transition could save €2 billion in oil imports and reduce marine gas oil emissions. The Port of Roenne sees itself as well-positioned to contribute to the infrastructure needed for maritime electrification, including ferry and cruise vessel charging. Energy Island Bornholm is seen as a valuable opportunity to understand future maritime energy needs and support the wider transition to clean energy in Europe's shipping corridors.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/offshore-wind-farms-could-be-used-as-charging-hubs-for-electric-and-hybrid-ships/

  • Army Of Meter Socket Adapters Is Coming For Your Fossil Fuels

    ConnectDER, a US startup, is retrofitting electricity meters to make clean tech like rooftop solar, home energy storage, and EV charging stations more affordable for older homes. Their meter socket adapters allow devices to plug directly into the meter socket, bypassing costly electrical upgrades. By creating virtual power plants that connect energy-producing and consuming devices, ConnectDER is helping to reduce peak demand on the grid and the need for new infrastructure. With approvals from utilities like ComEd and Ameren in Illinois, ConnectDER's products are streamlining the installation process for distributed energy resources, enabling homeowners to participate in the energy transition and sell stored energy back to the grid. This innovative approach by ConnectDER and other green businesses is accelerating the adoption of clean technology and making renewable energy more accessible and affordable for households across the US.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/04/an-army-of-meter-socket-adapters-is-coming-for-your-fossil-fuels/

  • Australian solar innovator 5B wins biggest order yet to help power Kalgoorlie’s giant “super pit” gold mine

    Australian solar innovator 5B has secured its largest order yet to supply solar components for a major renewable energy and battery project in Western Australia's Goldfields region, led by Northern Star Resources. The project will combine wind, solar, and battery storage to power mining operations, with 5B's prefabricated Maverick PV units reducing installation time and costs. The company received funding from the Solar Sunshot program to scale up production and lower costs, making the project a blueprint for modern, cost-effective, and clean mining energy systems. Northern Star's Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines (KCGM) operations will be powered by a hybrid renewables project, with solar accounting for 70% of electricity demand, and a vanadium flow battery proposed to address the grid's vulnerability. Zenith Energy will build, own, and operate the project under a 25-year power purchase agreement, with AVESS Energy showing interest in delivering the battery system.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/australian-solar-innovator-5b-wins-biggest-order-yet-to-help-power-kalgoorlies-giant-super-pit-gold-mine/

  • Memo to LNP: AEMC says slowing renewables, sweating coal, a recipe for 20 pct power price hike

    The latest report from the Australia Energy Market Commission (AEMC) shows that electricity prices are set to fall by 5% over the next five years due to the increase in renewable energy resources, but delays in wind generation and transmission projects could lead to a 20% increase in household electricity prices after 2030. The AEMC warns against prolonging the life of coal-fired power stations, as it could add up to 5% to prices. Transitioning to wind energy can lower costs and reduce reliance on expensive gas generation, with the potential to reduce electricity prices by 10% by 2035. The AEMC recommends better coordination of consumer energy resources, doubling rooftop solar by 2035, and a nationally consistent regulatory framework for renewable energy to lower costs and reduce network investment.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/memo-to-lnp-aemc-says-slowing-renewables-sweating-coal-a-recipe-for-20-pct-power-price-hike/

  • Virtual Power Plants Thwart Plot Against Renewable Energy

    The US renewable energy transition is unstoppable, with virtual power plants utilizing distributed energy resources like solar panels and home storage systems to manipulate load-shifting and avoid new gas peaker plants. EnergyHub's acquisition of Resideo Grid Service aims to integrate a DER Management system for utility companies. With over 2.5 million DERs in their management roster, VPPs are seen as a fast, cheap, and customer-centric solution to load growth. MIT's EUREICA concept utilizes solar panels, batteries, EVs, and other DERs to respond to grid disruptions, highlighting the shift towards a cyber-physical system in the electricity grid. The smart home of the future can connect to virtual power plants for incentives and protection against cyberattacks.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/02/virtual-power-plants-thwart-plot-against-renewable-energy/