MGA Thermal has secured $3.25 million in funding from Arena to advance its thermal energy storage technology, utilizing Miscibility Gap Alloy material for large-scale, long-duration energy storage with high efficiency. The funding will support up to five front-end engineering design studies aimed at decarbonizing industrial process heat and enabling the shift to net zero emissions in Australia. CEO Mark Croudace is enthusiastic about collaborating on TES projects with leading industrial companies, while climate journalist Joshua S. Hill continues to report on clean energy news, focusing on climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles. Stay updated with the latest clean energy news by subscribing to the free daily newsletter.
Category: Electricity & Industry
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Competition Is Heating Up In The US Energy Storage Space
Form Energy, a startup from Massachusetts, has developed an iron-air battery for long duration energy storage, surpassing Tesla's Megapack 3 in terms of duration. The company secured a 300-megawatt, 100-hour energy storage deal with Xcel Energy and Google, aiming to provide cost-effective, safe, and reliable energy storage solutions for a grid saturated with wind and solar power. Xcel Energy is moving forward with plans to deploy a Form iron-air battery in its energy plan for a new Google data center in Minnesota, pending approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. The technology involves iron pellets that rust when exposed to air, releasing energy, and can be recharged by applying electricity, with Form Energy receiving funding to establish a factory in West Virginia for mass production of their iron-air batteries.
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Tesla Planning 64 New Megacharging Sites Across 15 States?
Tesla is expanding its network of Megachargers across the country, with plans for additional charging sites in various states to support the electrification of overland shipping and reduce harmful air pollution. The new chargers will deliver 1.2 MW of power and are designed for Tesla Semis, with potential for compatibility with other electric "big rig" trucks in the future. Electric vehicles offer benefits such as cost savings, efficiency, and reduced exposure to diesel fumes and toxic air pollution. While there is skepticism about the timely installation of all proposed sites, the expansion of charging infrastructure is a crucial step towards sustainable freight transportation and combating climate change.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/25/tesla-planning-64-new-megacharging-sites-across-15-states/
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Google to deploy world’s largest iron-air battery for US data center
Google has partnered with Xcel Energy to implement a 300 MW/30 GWh iron-air battery system in Minnesota, alongside 1.6 GW of new wind and solar energy. Developed by Form Energy, this project aims to offer long-duration energy storage to stabilize intermittent renewables. The iron-air batteries have the capability to store renewables-generated electricity for up to 100 hours, making them a viable alternative to traditional power plants. This initiative is a key component of Google's commitment to decarbonization and meeting the energy needs of the AI era.
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‘Ten times cheaper’: Evolving turbine blade monitoring tech offers huge savings
Cutting-edge technology is being utilized in the wind industry to prevent dangerous liberations, which could have catastrophic consequences. This innovative approach is crucial in ensuring the safety and sustainability of wind energy production. Climate solutions experts must stay informed and support the implementation of these advancements to mitigate potential risks and continue progress towards a cleaner, renewable energy future. By prioritizing safety and embracing technological advancements, the wind industry can further contribute to combating climate change and achieving a more sustainable energy landscape.
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Deloitte urges India to align renewables with AI data growth
India has the opportunity to become a leading data center hub by aligning policy, grid infrastructure, and renewable deployment. Key challenges include an energy supply gap, grid stability limitations, regulatory differences, and lack of a unified national framework. Recommendations include accelerating renewable integration, expanding green PPAs, upgrading transmission networks, and leveraging AI for energy optimization. Incentivizing decentralized renewable energy models, such as co-located solar and storage infrastructure, can increase access to clean energy, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and make communities more resilient to climate change impacts. Policymakers and stakeholders must support and invest in these sustainable energy solutions to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/23/deloitte-urges-india-to-align-renewables-with-ai-data-growth/
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Amorphous silicon-silicon tandem solar cell achieves 12.3% efficiency via new honeycomb-shaped micro-structures
Researchers at TU Delft have developed a novel hexagonal microtextured glass that enhances light scattering by up to 50%, improving optical performance in thin-film silicon solar cells. The technology shows promise for multijunction, flexible, and low-power solar applications, with high light scattering even at near-infrared wavelengths. The use of hexagonal texturized glass resulted in a photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 9.3% in a single junction nc-Si:H solar cell and 12.3% in an amorphous silicon/nanocrystalline silicon tandem solar cell. The researchers foresee the technology being used in solar cells for consumer electronics, solar-powered sensors, and off-grid low-power applications, offering a potential solution for increasing solar energy efficiency in various settings.
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State Labor pledges huge renewables tender for land “twice the size of Kangaroo Island”
The South Australia Labor government, before entering caretaker mode, announced plans to launch a major competitive tender for new solar, wind, and storage projects if re-elected. They have opened up over 11,000 km of land for renewable energy development under the state's Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act, aiming to power over half a million homes. The government is laying the foundation for a clean energy boom through a world-first regulatory framework, with parcels of land in key regions identified for potential investment. Extensive consultation with stakeholders is being conducted to ensure social, economic, and environmental considerations are taken into account, with a goal of optimizing renewable energy opportunities while protecting the natural environment and social capital of the regions.
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Vestas seals deal for huge offshore wind order
Vestas, a Danish company, has secured a major order for its 15MW turbines for a UK offshore wind project, highlighting the growing importance of offshore wind energy in the transition to renewable sources. The use of large turbines like these can significantly increase the efficiency and capacity of wind farms, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Denmark's success in this sector showcases the potential for other countries to invest in clean energy solutions, emphasizing the role of offshore wind in combating climate change.
https://www.rechargenews.com/suppliers/vestas-seals-deal-for-huge-offshore-wind-order/2-1-1947282
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Taxing Fossil Fuel Profits
A new study recommends implementing profit-based taxes on fossil fuel companies in the EU to finance the energy transition, protect consumers, and support energy savings and electrification. The goal is to redirect capital towards clean energy, strengthen Europe's energy security, and achieve climate goals. Measures include introducing a differentiated corporate tax framework, extending taxation of windfall profits, and establishing an EU-level methodology to monitor price pass-through. Additionally, there is a focus on protecting workers in the fossil fuel sector and recycling revenues from fossil fuel profit taxes into the energy transition to discourage further fossil fuel expansion and promote the transition to clean energy.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/20/taxing-fossil-fuel-profits/