Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Electricity & Industry

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

  • Europe’s first 110MW data centre microgrid launches in Dublin

    Pure DC and AVK have launched Europe's first large-scale on-site data centre microgrid in Dublin, Ireland, designed to provide dispatchable power during early development phases. The microgrid includes three interconnected 30MW energy centres blending combined heat and power with heat recovery, battery energy storage system integration, rainwater harvesting, and future hydrogen blending. This innovative system supports AI-driven data centre demand, hybrid grid-renewable operations, and potential district heating links, addressing power shortages for hyperscale cloud and AI facilities. Positioned as a model for the energy-as-strategic-asset approach in the data centre industry, this project showcases sustainable solutions for reliable and efficient power generation.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/europes-first-110mw-data-centre-microgrid-launches-in-dublin/

  • As Fossil Fuel Costs Rise, Renewable Energy And Storage Shine

    Renewable energy and energy storage are dominating new utility-scale power generation capacity in the US, providing opportunities for energy consumers to buffer against fossil fuel price spikes. New York and New Jersey are leading the way in developing robust renewable energy profiles, with a focus on incentives for homeowners and innovative projects like floating solar power plants. Virtual power plants are being utilized to coordinate demand and supply among small devices, helping utilities avoid costly new gas plant construction. States like Massachusetts are setting ambitious targets for offshore wind projects and new solar and storage capacity by 2035, aiming to achieve significant savings through renewable energy initiatives. Despite uncertainties surrounding factors like natural gas costs and federal energy policy changes, US states are continuing to promote renewable energy transitions with incentives for energy storage, virtual power plants, and new wind and solar projects.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/17/as-fossil-fuel-costs-rise-renewable-energy-storage-shine/

  • New Jersey announces 355-MW storage procurement, solicits 645 MW more

    The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has approved incentives for three transmission-connected battery energy storage projects totaling 355 MW, with plans for an additional 645 MW of standalone storage or solar-plus-storage. This fulfills the state's goal of procuring 1 GW of bulk energy storage by summer and 2 GW by 2030, with projects set to participate in PJM Interconnection's capacity auction next year. The projects, located at operating or retired fossil power plants, aim to save ratepayers over $169 million by moderating wholesale electricity prices during peak demand. New Jersey's push for energy storage is driven by strong market fundamentals and high capacity prices, with support from political leadership and plans to use funds from the regional greenhouse gas cap-and-trade program for ratepayer bill credits.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/new-jersey-announces-355-mw-storage-procurement-solicits-645-mw-more/814971/

  • Dennis Schroeder / Department of Energy 16 Mar 2026 UN Climate Chief in Brussels: fossil fuel dependency is ripping away national security and sovereignty, but renewables turn the tables UN Climate Speech

    UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell emphasizes the negative impacts of fossil fuel dependency on national security, sovereignty, and economies, advocating for a shift to renewable energy for a more cost-effective, secure, and sustainable solution. Europe has a unique opportunity to lead in climate action and attract investment by embracing green growth, transitioning away from fossil fuels, upgrading grids, and supporting the Emissions Trading Scheme. The EU has been driving ambition at COPs and urges continued support for the process, with significant commitments made at COP30 and plans to continue progress at COP31 in Türkiye. Companies are coming to COPs to secure agreements that tackle the climate crisis and benefit their bottom lines, while the EU is building new partnerships to invest in value chains in partner countries and strengthen alliances for peace and prosperity in the face of climate change.

    https://unfccc.int/news/un-climate-chief-in-brussels-fossil-fuel-dependency-is-ripping-away-national-security-and

  • “Brilliant economics”: Offtake deal seals delivery of Australia’s biggest solar-battery hybrid project

    Renewable energy retailer Flow Power has signed a power purchase agreement with Octopus Australia's Blind Creek solar farm and battery project in New South Wales, one of the largest hybrid projects in Australia. The DC-coupled system allows solar to charge the battery directly, improving efficiency and enabling energy storage during low-price periods. The project aims to strengthen grid reliability, support the retirement of coal stations, and deliver renewables when needed to reduce peak price events. This pioneering solar hybrid initiative, backed by major investors, is set to revolutionize the energy market and contribute to a cleaner energy future in Australia by mid-2028.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/brilliant-economics-offtake-deal-seals-delivery-of-australias-biggest-solar-battery-hybrid-project/

  • UN climate chief attacks “delusional” fossil fuel investments

    UN climate chief Simon Stiell warns against doubling down on fossil fuels in response to spikes in oil and gas prices caused by the Iran war, emphasizing the economic irrationality of new investments compared to the benefits of renewable energy. The current crisis is seen as a crucial moment to ramp up pressure against fossil fuels and prioritize renewable energy investments. Europe's dependence on fossil fuel imports is highlighted as a vulnerability, but the rollout of new wind and solar power capacity since the Green Deal in 2019 has saved billions of euros. This shift towards renewables is crucial for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/03/16/un-climate-chief-to-use-iran-crisis-to-hit-out-at-delusional-fossil-fuel-supporters/

  • 2 large wind farms finish construction on East Coast

    America's first major sea-based wind project, Vineyard Wind, completed construction with 62 turbines south of Massachusetts, while Revolution Wind began generating electricity with 65 turbines in Connecticut and Rhode Island. This marks a significant milestone in the two-decade push to build offshore wind in New England, despite resistance from President Trump. The projects will power 750,000 homes and are the largest renewable energy projects east of the Mississippi River. The success of Vineyard Wind and Revolution Wind represents a major win for New England's ambitious climate goals and efforts to reduce reliance on natural gas. Despite facing delays and challenges, including national security concerns and higher costs, Revolution Wind is contributing to clean energy, emission reductions, and economic growth in Rhode Island. Uncertainty remains for future offshore wind projects in the region, with Massachusetts and Connecticut delaying decisions and halting contracting.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/2-large-wind-farms-finish-construction-on-east-coast/

  • Trump’s Offshore Wind Nightmare Becomes Reality

    Despite President Trump's attempts to halt offshore wind farm projects like Vineyard Wind and Revolution Wind, the development of multiple gigawatts of clean power on the Atlantic Coast is progressing. Vineyard Wind, with all 62 turbines now installed, is contributing to the growth of the domestic offshore wind industry. Revolution Wind, serving Rhode Island and Connecticut, reached a key milestone by sending electricity to the grid and is expected to save ratepayers up to $500 million per year. Other delayed projects, like Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind and Empire Wind, are also moving towards completion. With congestion pricing upheld in New York and the Sunrise Wind project progressing towards commissioning in 2027, the US offshore wind industry continues to grow, with multiple gigawatts of clean electricity heading for the nation's grid.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/14/trumps-offshore-wind-nightmare-has-become-reality/

  • The Epstein War Breathes New Life Into Green Hydrogen Industry

    US President Trump's war on Iran has caused fossil energy costs to rise, impacting natural gas markets in Europe and the US, leading to a renewed focus on green hydrogen projects. In Andalusia, Spain, a joint venture between H2Pro and Doral Hydrogen is moving forward with plans for a 50-megawatt off-grid green hydrogen project. This project aims to produce hydrogen entirely from off-grid solar power for blending into the existing natural gas pipeline and connecting with the forthcoming H2Med hydrogen pipeline for export. The Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program in the US, aimed at kickstarting the green hydrogen supply chain, is facing challenges due to funding withdrawal under the Trump administration, impacting farmers who could benefit from sustainable fertilizer produced with green hydrogen.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/14/the-epstein-war-breathes-new-life-into-eu-green-hydrogen-schemes/

  • Increased spacing between solar module rows boosts agrivoltaics viability

    U.S. researchers from Colorado University, National Laboratory of the Rockies, Colorado State University, and the Colorado Department of Agriculture have developed a framework showing that wider spacing between solar PV rows can make agrivoltaic systems economically viable for large-scale mechanized farming. Their simulations in Colorado demonstrated that optimized row spacing maintains crop production while improving combined agricultural and energy revenues. The study found that wider-row agrivoltaic solutions can provide economic benefits over traditional utility-scale PV systems, with $200/acre in agricultural profit justifying spacing panels at least 9.662 m apart. The framework defines different PV row-spacing scenarios, determines installed PV capacity, incorporates agricultural equipment constraints, calculates crop revenues, estimates electricity generation and revenue, and calculates metrics such as net present value and levelized cost of energy. The team simulated a 160-acre project in Colorado with different crop scenarios and PPA prices, highlighting the sensitivity of results to equipment size.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/13/increased-spacing-between-solar-module-rows-boosts-agrivoltaics-viability/