Peak Energy, a US startup, is leading the way in sodium-ion battery technology, offering advantages over lithium-ion systems in terms of cost, supply chain security, scale, and safety. Partnering with Jupiter Power, they are set to build the world's largest sodium-ion battery energy storage system, delivering a 720-megawatt system in 2027. This development comes as coal power plants in the US face challenges from falling costs of renewable energy and energy storage systems, leading to scheduled retirements. The shift towards cleaner energy sources is driven by factors such as grid conditions, rising electricity demand, and the need for more reliable and cost-effective energy solutions, highlighting the potential for reliable and economical energy storage systems to support the transition to renewable energy in the US.
Category: Electricity & Industry
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Cut Fugitive Emissions
– Shift Production
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How are the big wind, solar and battery projects that won CIS deals doing on benefit sharing?
The Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) in Australia is a $70 billion government initiative focused on accelerating investment in clean energy projects, with a strong emphasis on including First Nations people and communities. The CIS incorporates social and First Nations outcomes into its merit criteria and makes them contractually binding, with the First Nations Clean Energy Network tracking progress of 59 awarded projects in areas where First Nations have rights and interests. Proponents of CIS projects are required to actively engage with impacted First Nations communities to ensure equitable participation and benefit sharing, as the government is committed to ensuring First Nations have equitable opportunities, benefit-sharing, and self-determination in the energy transition.
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C40 Cities calls for COP30 to raise ambition and progress plan to phase out fossil fuels
C40 member cities are leading the way in the fossil-free transition by committing to halving fossil fuel use by 2030 and implementing measures such as electrifying transport fleets and creating clean energy utilities. They are taking concrete actions to drive down fossil fuel use, scale renewable energy production, and ensure a fair and inclusive transition away from fossil fuels. Cities around the world are already implementing ambitious climate actions like solar minigrids and clean cooking solutions, with a focus on just and inclusive transitions. National governments must collaborate with cities to create a roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels across various sectors and mobilizing finance at scale, ensuring a fair process that includes input from cities, workers, unions, and civil society.
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Fraunhofer ISE builds first perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell with copper metallization
Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Germany have developed a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell with an efficiency of 19.35% using the mask-and-plate copper metallization technique, showcasing the potential for industrial metallization of next-generation solar cells. The method involves inkjet printing a resist "mask" with narrow openings and electroplating metals like copper to reduce shading and improve efficiency. The use of copper instead of silver lowers material costs and improves resource scalability. Additionally, academics have found that using copper in the metallization process does not harm perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells, with various technologies developed to reduce the use of silver in solar cells. These advancements were presented in a study published in Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells.
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Renewables giant China nears peak emissions, Beijingers see mountain peaks for first time in decades
The Global Carbon Project's annual Global Carbon Budget reveals a slight rise in carbon emissions in 2025, putting the world on track to hit the 1.5°C warming limit within four years. China, the world's biggest polluter, is showing signs of reaching peak emissions or plateauing, driven by a unique mix of motivating factors including economic and business advantages from clean energy. The importance of reducing emissions and supporting renewable energy technologies to combat global warming is emphasized, with China's success in decarbonization positioning itself as a global leader in clean energy production. The article warns against downplaying the importance of climate action based on a country's proportionate contribution to global emissions and highlights Australia's transition to renewable energy as an economic opportunity. The overall message is to learn from China's example and take advantage of cheap opportunities for zero emissions energy.
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Crocodile Economics Comes to Africa: Trade, Solar, and the New Energy Map
The global economy is showing signs of decoupling economic growth from emissions, with many countries experiencing a decrease in emissions while GDP rises. China is on the verge of shifting to absolute decoupling, with African countries importing solar hardware on an unprecedented scale. Chinese companies are investing in onshore capacity for solar panels and battery packs in Africa, following the model of industrial migration seen in East Asia. The development of grid-detached microgrids using Chinese solar panels and batteries is accelerating in sub-Saharan Africa, alongside plans for a high-voltage direct-current super-grid to meet the region's growing electricity demand with interconnected renewable grids. Overall, clean-energy investment and the African Continental Free Trade Area are building markets that reward predictability, transparency, and stability, positioning Africa as a more unified major economy on the global stage.
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Australia funds SunDrive to scale copper solar cells
Australia's ARENA has invested AUD 25.3 million in SunDrive to advance copper-based solar cell technology as a low-cost, silver-free alternative. This investment will support SunDrive in scaling up production and collaborating with solar manufacturing firms, aiming to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and address the industry's reliance on silver. SunDrive's innovation has broken world records in cell efficiency and has the potential to significantly impact global decarbonization efforts. ARENA's continued support of SunDrive's technology could lead to advancements in efficiency and affordability in the solar industry, contributing to climate solutions worldwide.
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Air con leads surge in energy use as world heats up – but most new demand is being powered by solar
The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a surge in electricity demand driven by air conditioning due to climate-driven heatwaves and rising temperatures, but renewable energy generation, particularly in solar investment, is also on the rise. Overshooting the 1.5 °C temperature target is now inevitable, but there is potential to meet cooling needs with solar energy in regions like India, Indonesia, the Middle East, and Africa. The World Energy Outlook outlines scenarios for future energy demand and generation mix, with the Net Zero Emissions (NZE) scenario aiming to limit warming to below 1.5°C by 2100 through widespread deployment of CO2 removal technologies. Renewable energy, especially solar PV, is driving global growth towards a more efficient and secure energy system, urging fossil fuel importing countries to transition faster to avoid raising global temperatures and increasing energy demand through inefficient fossil fuel use.
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US startup launches DC-powered solar water heater
Apparent Inc. has introduced a DC-powered solar water heater that can eliminate 100% of a home's water heating costs. This innovative system utilizes low-voltage DC electricity from solar panels and a cloud-based platform for efficient energy management. It is designed to operate off-grid with standard photovoltaic panels and features a patented alloy heating element for optimal heat transfer. With an AI-driven control platform for performance optimization and energy resource management, the water heater is grid-independent, blackout-resistant, and boasts a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/11/12/us-startup-launches-dc-powered-solar-water-heater/
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BasiGo Opens 3 New Electric Bus Charging Hubs In Nairobi Capable of Charging 100 Buses A Day!
BasiGo is expanding its operations in Nairobi by providing locally assembled electric buses to bus operators through their Pay-As-You-Drive model, with plans to launch three new depots featuring DC fast chargers capable of charging up to 100 buses daily. Kenya Power is partnering with BasiGo to increase electric vehicle charging stations in Nairobi, aiming to accelerate the adoption of electric buses and reduce emissions from the transport sector. The article emphasizes the importance of African governments creating supportive environments for electric mobility companies to thrive, promoting sustainable transportation solutions and clean energy practices to reduce carbon emissions in the region. By utilizing renewable electricity to power electric vehicles, Kenya can significantly reduce its fuel imports and trade deficit, while advancements in solar and battery technology make it feasible to set up solar- and battery-powered charging hubs to complement the grid supply and lower costs.