Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Electricity & Industry

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

  • Canada Needs A Second Golden Spike For Electricity

    Canada's federal government is working on a National Electricity Strategy to double grid capacity by 2050, focusing on clean, reliable, and affordable electricity. The strategy includes generation, transmission, distribution, storage, grid modernization, and workforce development, aiming to deliver up to $15 billion in energy savings by 2050. It emphasizes the importance of an electrification-first approach to decarbonization, efficient movement of clean power across provincial boundaries, and strategic reduction of fossil fuel use. The strategy also highlights the need for clear regulations on gas plants, realistic nuclear planning, prioritizing efficiency and flexible demand, and faster energy savings measures. Indigenous participation, skilled workers, and collaboration with provinces are essential for successful implementation, with the federal government playing a key role in setting direction and supporting major projects.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/15/canada-needs-a-second-golden-spike-for-electricity/

  • UK grants development consent for offshore wind farms

    The UK Government has granted development consent for the Dogger Bank South (DBS) offshore wind projects and the North Falls offshore wind farm, increasing offshore wind capacity. The DBS projects, developed by RWE and Masdar, will have a combined capacity of 3GW and are located in the North Sea, benefiting businesses and communities in Yorkshire, the Humber, and the wider UK. The North Falls offshore wind farm, developed by RWE and SSE Renewables, will serve as an extension to the Greater Gabbard offshore wind farm, producing around 1GW of electricity. These projects will draw in private investment, create new jobs, and contribute to a total of up to 4GW of new offshore wind capacity. The article highlights the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources, sustainable practices in industries like agriculture and transportation, and the need for collaboration between businesses, governments, and consumers to achieve meaningful climate action, pointing towards a shift towards sustainability and innovation to address the climate crisis.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/uk-grants-development-offshore-wind/

  • Plug-and-play control framework for adjusting panel tilt in agrivoltaics

    Cornell University researchers have developed an integrated control framework for agrivoltaic systems that optimizes solar panel tilt angles based on past and future conditions. This framework combines proactive decision-making with reactive strategies to maximize energy production while meeting crop light requirements, outperforming existing methods by reducing light deficits in crops and increasing energy production. The framework is designed to be adaptable across different crops, climates, and system configurations, making it a valuable tool for software developers and solar operators. This solution, outlined in the journal Solar Energy, aims to improve the efficiency of combining agriculture and solar energy production, even in regions with challenging, cloudy climates, making agrivoltaics more viable and scalable.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/14/plug-and-play-control-framework-for-adjusting-panel-tilt-in-agrivoltaics/

  • AI model uses cloud type and cover to predict solar power swings

    A machine learning model, originally trained in Oklahoma, was tested at 15 global sites and showed strong generalizability in predicting rapid changes in surface solar irradiance caused by moving clouds. The model can forecast solar "ramp" events crucial for grid stability, with modifications made for different locations to enhance accuracy. Overall, the model performed well across sites, with half matching or exceeding the original model's predictive performance. A study published in Solar Energy found that most sites have similar or better predictability of solar variability, although extreme environments like mountains, deserts, tropics, and high latitudes showed lower predictability. Collaboration between the University of Colorado Boulder, NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory, and NOAA Global Systems Laboratory contributed to this research.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/14/ai-model-uses-cloud-type-and-cover-to-predict-solar-power-swings/

  • North Sea license and onshore fracking bans to be enshrined in UK law

    The U.K. is implementing an Energy Independence Bill that will prohibit fracking for gas on land and new fossil fuel exploration in the North Sea, while also addressing delays in power line construction and establishing a Warm Homes Agency for solar and energy-efficiency initiatives. The bill will also offer support to low-income households struggling with energy bills. Furthermore, a Nuclear Regulation Bill is set to be introduced to streamline the process of constructing nuclear reactors.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/north-sea-license-and-onshore-fracking-bans-to-be-enshrined-in-uk-law/

  • Two huge UK offshore wind projects win planning consent

    The UK government has approved the development of the Dogger Bank South and North Falls offshore wind farms by RWE, contributing to the expansion of renewable energy sources in the UK. These offshore wind farms are crucial in transitioning to a more sustainable energy system and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, helping to combat climate change. The approval of these projects demonstrates the government's commitment to meeting climate targets and promoting clean energy solutions.

    https://www.rechargenews.com/offshore-wind/two-huge-uk-offshore-wind-projects-win-planning-consent/2-1-1989968

  • French and African leaders announce $11 billion in renewable energy for Africa

    French and African leaders have announced over $11 billion in renewable energy investments in Africa, including projects such as sustainable aviation fuel, hydropower, solar energy, wind generation, and clean cooking initiatives. Companies like TotalEnergies, EDF, Kenya Airways, and Rubis Energy are participating in these initiatives, reflecting global competition for influence in Africa's emerging green economy. African governments are seeking renewable energy financing to expand electricity access while steering clear of high-carbon development pathways. These commitments highlight the importance of sustainable energy solutions in addressing climate change and promoting economic growth in Africa.

    https://apnews.com/article/france-africa-renewable-energy-cdc794ac12d3c1cca1c9ebe50ff6b9f5

  • Datang plans 14.6 GW renewables cluster in China

    A massive renewable energy complex is planned in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to deliver clean electricity to Jiangsu province. The project, led by Datang (Ordos) Energy Development Co., Ltd., includes 8 GW of solar, 4 GW of wind, 2.04 GW/8.16 GWh of energy storage, and 2.64 GW of coal-fired power, with a total installed capacity of 14.64 GW and a planned investment of about CNY 58.1 billion. Scheduled for phased development from 2026 to 2030, the project aims to reduce renewable curtailment to below 1%, with the first batch of wind and solar capacity expected to be connected to the grid in 2027. By 2030, the project is expected to deliver over 40 TWh of electricity annually to Jiangsu, with renewable power accounting for more than 60% of the total.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/14/datang-plans-14-6-gw-renewables-cluster-in-china/

  • €1 Billion To Be Invested In German Electric Truck Charging

    The German Ministry of Transport is investing €1 billion over four years to develop more commercial electric truck charging infrastructure in Germany, aiming to have 80% clean, renewable electricity by 2030 and eventually be at zero emissions. Electric trucks produce no greenhouse gas emissions or toxic air pollution, making them a better option for both climate change and human health. This investment in electrifying the German road freight market is a positive move towards a more sustainable future, showcasing the benefits of energy efficiency and cost savings in transitioning away from internal combustion engine vehicles and phasing out coal entirely.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/13/e1-billion-to-be-invested-in-german-electric-truck-charging/

  • JinkoSolar, Masdar sign 2GW PV module supply agreement

    JinkoSolar and Masdar have signed a supply agreement for 2GW of Tiger Neo photovoltaic modules for Abu Dhabi's round-the-clock renewable energy project, which combines a 5.2GW solar PV plant with a 19GW-hour battery energy storage system to deliver continuous renewable energy output. The collaboration aims to address the challenge of intermittency in renewable energy and support the UAE's clean energy goals, providing large-scale baseload renewable energy at competitive rates and serving as a benchmark for global zero-carbon power production. This agreement further develops their strategic relationship in the Middle East's renewable energy market, showcasing a significant step towards sustainable and reliable energy solutions.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/jinkosolar-masdar-sign-pv-agreement/