The Australian Energy Market Operator has released the draft of its 2026 Integrated System Plan, outlining the transition of Australia's main grid to renewables and storage. The plan highlights the growth of rooftop solar and the potential for an accelerated transition to green energy, with a focus on addressing transmission concerns and the continuation of coal in Queensland. AEMO is unsure how to keep coal running until 2049 due to aging coal-fired power stations being a threat to grid reliability, but the concept of "baseload" is expected to be phased out. The grid is projected to reach 82% renewables by 2030, leading to a significant drop in emissions and paving the way for further emission cuts in other sectors as they electrify and transition to renewables.
Category: Electricity & Industry
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
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Q&A: Five key climate questions for China’s next ‘five-year plan’
China's upcoming 15th five-year plan in China will have a significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions, influencing clean energy growth and meeting climate commitments. The plan is crucial for aligning with Paris Agreement goals, setting clean-energy targets, capping coal consumption, and preventing emission rebounds. China faces challenges in meeting its climate targets, with a marked slowdown in carbon intensity reduction. To achieve the required reduction in carbon intensity, China would need to increase the share of non-fossil energy and reduce coal consumption. Policymakers are working on implementing a "dual control of carbon" system to manage emissions and face a choice between slowing down the clean-energy boom or retiring older coal-power plants to address challenges.
https://www.carbonbrief.org/qa-five-key-climate-questions-for-chinas-next-five-year-plan/
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AEMO draft plan confirms essential role for long-duration storage in Australia
The Draft 2026 Integrated System Plan (ISP) by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) underscores the critical role of hydropower, pumped storage, grid-scale batteries, and renewable energy in Australia's future electricity system. With a focus on long-duration storage technologies to manage low wind and solar output, the plan outlines the need for 12GW of pumped storage, 32GW of batteries, and 120GW of new wind and solar by 2035. The forecasted closure of two-thirds of the remaining coal fleet by 2035 highlights the transition towards cleaner energy sources. Stakeholders have until February to provide input on the plan, offering an opportunity for businesses to stay informed and adapt to the evolving climate landscape.
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NYPA adopts 5.5-GW renewable plan amid concerns over affordability, policy changes
The New York Power Authority has approved an update to its renewables plan, adding 2.5 GW of planned capacity for a total of 5.5 GW, which includes solar, wind, distributed energy storage, and compressed air storage projects. NYPA aims to help the state meet its clean energy targets, focusing on developing 15 GW of renewables to supplement private sector energy development in New York. The plan emphasizes the importance of delivering clean, affordable electricity as electric demand grows, while also addressing challenges such as increased costs and power shortages. NYPA's updated renewables strategic plan is focused on developing clean energy projects to strengthen grid resiliency, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and ensure affordability and equity in the state's clean energy transition.
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/nypa-renewable-energy-plan/807542/
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Africa’s largest off-grid solar-plus-storage project comes online in Angola
Africa's largest off-grid solar-plus-storage project, the Cazombo Photovoltaic Park in Angola, has been successfully launched with 75.26 MWh of battery storage and 25.40 MW of solar power. This project aims to provide electricity to over 136,000 people in the region by relying on solar energy during the day and battery storage at night, completely eliminating the need for fossil fuels. Part of Angola's Rural Electrification Project, the focus is on developing solar power plants with battery storage in off-grid areas. The financing for this innovative project came from British Standard Chartered Bank and German export agency Euler Hermes.
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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/
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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.
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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/
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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/
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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/