Twelve has opened AirPlant One in Washington, the first facility in the US to produce E-Jet fuel and E-Naphtha from CO2 and renewable electricity. Alaska Airlines and Microsoft were present at the ribbon cutting ceremony, committing to purchasing output from the facility. The E-Jet SAF and E-Naphtha offer lower CO2 emissions, price predictability, and support domestic industrial growth. Microsoft's strategic investment aims to reduce emissions associated with business travel and advance clean energy solutions in aviation and global industry. Twelve's focus on electrifying fuel and chemical production using CO2 and renewable electricity is commercially viable in the United States and can scale to additional production sites and airline partners.
Category: Electricity & Industry
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Cut Fugitive Emissions
– Shift Production
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Solar-plus-storage microgrids now delivering competitive baseload power
Yana Hryshko of Wood Mackenzie discussed the potential of solar and battery storage for delivering baseload power in various markets at a recent conference in Shanghai. The team at Wood Mackenzie modeled scenarios for Ukraine, Ghana, and the Netherlands, considering different solar-plus-storage deployments. Hybrid solar-plus-storage solutions have a lower levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) compared to conventional fuel solutions in these countries, with significant drops in the LCOE over time. The modeling assumes a consistent system architecture and specifications, focusing on reducing capex through tapping into existing transmission infrastructure. Solar-plus-storage microgrids are already cost-competitive and successful in Ukraine, Ghana, and the Netherlands, highlighting their value for generating affordable and clean electricity quickly in the energy transition.
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Australia’s biggest transmission project powers up
Transgrid has completed the EnergyConnect project in New South Wales, linking three state grids and integrating renewable energy zones into the national network. The project includes 700 km of new transmission lines, with the first stage already operational, adding 800 MW of transfer capacity. Despite challenges and cost overruns, EnergyConnect is expected to deliver significant benefits for consumers and help Australia achieve its climate change targets. Additionally, Transgrid is making progress on the HumeLink transmission project to connect Snowy 2.0 to the grid and planning for the delivery of the NSW section of the VNI West project, enhancing the integration of renewable energy sources and improving grid efficiency for a more sustainable and climate-friendly energy system.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/10/australias-biggest-transmission-project-powers-up/
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Australia endorses ambitious new global electrification target to hasten exit from fossil fuels
Australia's energy and climate minister, Chris Bowen, has endorsed a new global electrification target of 35% by 2035 to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels and meet climate goals. The initiative, announced at the UN's interim climate talks in Bonn, aims to increase the share of final energy demand met by electricity from 20% to 35% by 2035, based on analysis from the IEA and IRENA to support the Paris Agreement and limit warming to 1.5°C. The COP31 Presidency, led by Türkiye's minister Murat Kurum, will work with countries to facilitate access to technical assistance and financial support to achieve the electrification goal, which was welcomed for its potential to lower energy costs, increase energy security, and reduce emissions. Other initiatives from COP28 and COP29 include tripling renewable energy capacity, expanding energy storage, modernizing electricity grids, mobilizing $300 billion annually by 2035 for action in the developing world, halving global waste growth, and increasing energy efficiency in buildings by at least 25% by 2035.
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Texas Scores Another Solar Factory, Trump Or No Trump
TOYO Solar, a Japanese firm, is investing $357 million in a 1.5-gigawatt solar cell manufacturing facility in Texas to produce HJT solar cells, known for enhanced performance in hot climates. This move represents a significant step towards cleaner and more efficient solar energy production in the US. The company aims to meet domestic content requirements and strengthen the supply chain security of the US solar industry, which is thriving and outpacing fossil energy systems for new power generation capacity additions. By focusing on tandem solar cells that combine silicon and perovskites for durability and efficiency, TOYO is driving advancements in solar conversion efficiency and creating 400 direct jobs in the city.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/09/solar-cells-new-factory-texas-us-hjt-toyo/
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All solar cell efficiencies at a glance – updated
The latest edition of the Solar Cell Efficiency Tables, led by Professor Martin Green from UNSW, has been published as open access in the July 2026 issue of Joule. This version showcases record-breaking efficiencies for large area silicon cells and modules, advancements in lead halide perovskite cell development, and improvements in perovskite-silicon tandem cells and modules. Notable achievements include a 27.9%-efficient interdigitated-back-contact device developed by Longi. The research, which involves contributions from various institutions including the European Commission Joint Research Centre and the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory, highlights the continuous growth and advancements in photovoltaic technology.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/08/all-solar-cell-efficiencies-at-a-glance-updated-7/
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Document: Commission to set EU-wide smart meter targets
The European Commission is proposing binding EU-wide targets for the rollout of smart meters to lower power bills and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The draft proposal aims for at least 50% of households to have smart meters by 2030, increasing to 65% by 2033. Smart meters can help consumers adjust their consumption for lower prices and contribute to more affordable energy bills. The proposal also includes reforms to network charges to incentivize efficient use of electricity networks and reduce costly grid investments.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/document-commission-to-set-eu-wide-smart-meter-targets/
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EU clears $26.5bn of Italian State aid to boost renewable power
Italy has received approval from the European Commission for a €23bn state aid scheme to boost renewable electricity generation, with a focus on onshore wind, solar, hydropower, and sewage gas projects. The goal is to add 37.15GW of renewable electricity capacity as part of Italy's target to have 39.4% of energy consumption from renewables by 2030. Financial support will be provided through contracts for difference over 20 years, with competitive bidding for larger projects and set prices for smaller ones. This initiative aligns with the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework and is designed to expedite Italy's shift towards renewable energy sources.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/eu-clears-italian-state-aid/
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Solar Energy Saves Europeans $135 Million A Day
Europe has seen significant savings in electricity costs due to the installation of solar power, avoiding billions in fossil fuel import costs. By deploying more solar, scaling storage, and accelerating electrification, Europe can reduce the role of gas in setting electricity prices and build a more secure and affordable energy system. Spain has doubled its wind and solar capacity, reducing the influence of expensive fossil generators on electricity prices. The focus on green technology in Europe has shown the benefits of renewable energy in reducing costs and increasing energy independence. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are setting new records for energy production in countries like Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, and the UK, proving to be cheaper and faster to install compared to fossil fuels. Global energy investment is shifting towards clean energy, with more money going into renewables, nuclear, grids, storage, efficiency, and electrification, further accelerated by political decisions and global events, making them the dominant energy sources of the future.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/08/solar-energy-saves-europeans-135-million-a-day/
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Australia’s biggest solar-battery hybrid project secures grid connection approval
Ark Energy has secured grid connection approval for the Richmond Valley solar farm and battery project in Australia, which will be the largest of its kind in the country. The project will feature 500 MW of solar capacity and 475 MW of battery power with 8 hours of storage, with the first phase including a 200 MW solar farm and a 275 MW/2,200 MWh battery energy storage system using lithium-iron phosphate technology. This approval will greatly contribute to electricity supply and grid stability in New South Wales and the National Electricity Market, showcasing a significant step towards sustainable and renewable energy solutions.