Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Electricity & Industry

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

  • Thin Film Solar Gets A Muscular Perovskite Makeover

    Perovskite, a next-generation solar material, is gaining attention in the US solar industry, particularly with thin film solar manufacturer First Solar. Thin film solar technology offers lightweight, flexible, and spray-able solutions for high volume manufacturing, with lower costs and durability. First Solar, the only US-headquartered company among the world's largest solar manufacturers, aims to achieve 30% efficiency by 2030 and is expanding its operations in the US and overseas. With projections to reach 17 gigawatts of annual capacity by 2027, First Solar's use of perovskite in their solar cells could potentially replace the equivalent of 17 nuclear power plants and support 40,000 jobs in the US, advancing the development of PV solar devices for various markets. The shift towards renewable energy sources like solar and wind is reducing the reliance on natural gas and coal for energy production, with solar expected to account for 51% of the total new energy resources in the US.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/13/thin-film-solar-gets-a-muscular-perovskite-makeover/

  • Energy Department touts $1.9B for grid upgrades

    The Energy Department is providing $1.9 billion in funding through the bipartisan infrastructure law to upgrade the U.S. power grid, known as SPARK. This initiative aims to increase grid capacity to meet growing electricity demand and ensure reliable power. Projects selected for funding must demonstrate the use of higher-capacity conductors and other technologies to optimize grid operations for rapid growth, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency and stability.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/energy-department-touts-1-9b-for-grid-upgrades/

  • Foresight to acquire NZ Clean Energy platform

    Foresight Group has acquired NZ Clean Energy in New Zealand, investing over A$500m in late-stage solar projects starting in 2026 and 2027. The acquisition provides a platform for developing solar and battery energy storage projects, with a pipeline exceeding 2GW across 15 locations in New Zealand. This move aligns with the country's transition towards low-emission energy solutions, driven by increased electricity demand and the growth of electric vehicles and data centers. Foresight aims to support decarbonization efforts and create a diversified renewable energy portfolio in the region.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/foresight-to-acquire-nz-clean-energy-platform/

  • US Perovskite Solar Cell Startup Hits The Ground Running

    Solar manufacturing in the US has seen a resurgence, with 65 new or expanded solar and energy storage factories commissioned in 2025, surpassing 60 gigawatts of domestic solar module production capacity. The entire solar supply chain has been re-shored, strengthening the case for solar power despite potential risks to factories under federal energy policy. US startup Swift Solar has acquired the intellectual property and manufacturing assets of Meyer Burger to produce tandem silicon-perovskite solar cells, aiming to increase efficiency beyond the current 30% ceiling. High-efficiency solar panels offer benefits such as land savings and cost reduction, with opportunities for agrivoltaic projects. UbiQD in New Mexico is scaling up manufacturing of perovskite solar cells, while a US startup is fueling growth in silicon-perovskite solar cell technology through the acquisition of assets from a bankrupt German firm.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/12/us-perovskite-solar-cell-startup-hits-the-ground-running/

  • Transparent superhydrophobic self-cleaning coating increases solar cell efficiency by 4.75%

    Researchers have developed a PFAS-free dual-layer sol-gel and hydrophobic silica coating for solar panels, improving efficiency from 13.90% to 14.56%. The coating repels water, dust, and dirt without reducing light transmission, making it durable and suitable for commercial applications. By combining sol-gel processed hydrophilic silica sol with hydrophobic silica nanoparticles, a transparent and superhydrophobic surface is created. The coating has shown excellent performance in water contact angle, sliding angle, and mechanical tests, as well as good chemical stability and outdoor exposure. Plans are in place to test the coating in extreme weather conditions and bring it to market within five years.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/11/transparent-superhydrophobic-self-cleaning-coating-increases-solar-cell-efficiency-by-4-75/

  • Co-ownership vs consultation: Landmark report proposes faster, cheaper path to renewables

    The Community Power Agency (CPA) report emphasizes the benefits of renewable energy developers partnering with communities, rather than just consulting with them, to expedite planning processes, reduce opposition, and provide financial advantages. The Power in Partnership Guide outlines nine models for collaboration, such as co-ownership and community energy gardens, to enhance community acceptance of renewable energy projects and prevent conflicts. The example of the Bulabul battery project in Wellington, NSW, underscores the importance of community involvement in seizing opportunities in the evolving energy sector. With Australia aiming to increase renewable energy to 82% by 2030, fostering successful partnerships with communities is deemed essential for achieving this target and promoting regional development.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/co-ownership-vs-consultation-landmark-report-proposes-faster-cheaper-paths-to-renewables/

  • Small 24/7 clean power commitments could cut costs for long-duration storage

    Early demand for 24/7 carbon-free electricity is driving the adoption of advanced energy technologies, reducing costs and making clean power commercially viable. Companies like Google are investing in this initiative, bridging the gap between early investment and commercial viability for emerging clean energy technologies. By committing to 24/7 clean power procurement, companies can incentivize the development of newer energy generation and storage technologies, leading to a virtuous cycle of investment and technological learning. This approach not only reduces emissions but also helps advanced technologies become more cost competitive, with studies showing significant cost reductions for technologies like lithium-ion batteries and iron-air batteries driven by carbon-free energy commitments.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/09/small-24-7-clean-power-commitments-could-cut-costs-for-long-duration-storage/

  • In Alaska, a Data Center Inside a Power Plant, Inside a Microgrid

    Cordova Electric Cooperative in Alaska has successfully implemented a local microgrid powered by hydropower and battery energy storage, reducing diesel imports and increasing local energy supply. Inspired by this success, they are now piloting a modular data center powered by localized energy from a hydroelectric facility. The data center is designed for resilience and efficiency, with a focus on distributing data processing and storage assets around geography. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and demonstrate the capabilities of edge-based data centers in supporting remote populations. Surplus hydropower is being used to power a local data center in Cordova, Alaska, providing computing capacity for various purposes and bringing data "inside the fence" for business and artificial intelligence applications. Lessons learned from microgrid-data center setups can help streamline data center investments and avoid excessive costs, with the DOE Office of Electricity researching advanced microgrid technologies to facilitate affordable and reliable electricity delivery for data centers. ARIES analysis is being used to answer key questions for connecting computers to power in both small-scale and hyperscale projects, showcasing the potential for localized energy solutions in addressing climate challenges.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/09/in-alaska-a-data-center-inside-a-power-plant-inside-a-microgrid/

  • Steering Electricity: How Grid Control Devices Unlock Transmission Capacity

    Engineers are focusing on extracting more performance from the electricity network using electronics, software, and control systems. The grid is evolving to become smarter, similar to the evolution of transportation systems. FACTS and APFC technologies help operators guide the flow of electrons, allowing the existing grid to carry more power than originally expected. This approach does not eliminate the need for new infrastructure but maximizes the capacity of the current network.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/08/steering-electricity-how-grid-control-devices-unlock-transmission-capacity/

  • New modelling shows renewable electricity can meet NZ future demand

    The government's plan to import LNG for energy security in New Zealand is questioned due to price volatility and the country's goal of achieving 100% renewable electricity generation by 2030. Analysis shows that investing in renewable energy generation and storage systems can meet future demand and exceed it, with offshore wind projects reducing the need for hydro electricity generation. The article discusses the use of excess grid power for pumped hydro storage and highlights the need for additional long-term storage capacity, such as the proposed pumped-hydro project at Lake Onslow. The country already has a regulatory roadmap for battery systems, with significant renewable generation and battery storage projects in development, suggesting that the electricity sector may not actually need the new LNG terminal infrastructure. Storage capacity, both short-term and long-term, is crucial for stabilizing a 100% renewable grid.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/new-modelling-shows-renewable-electricity-can-meet-nz-future-demand-without-importing-gas/