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.
Category: Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Production
– Improve Electrical System
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Fervo raises $1.9B, in major boost for geothermal
Geothermal developer Fervo Energy experienced a successful IPO on the Nasdaq, raising $1.89 billion and seeing a 35 percent increase in shares. Utilizing techniques from oil and gas fields, the company generates carbon-free electricity by tapping into heat beneath the Earth's surface. With a market valuation exceeding $10 billion and strong demand from investors, Fervo's success reflects confidence from Wall Street and clean energy enthusiasts. The company's target share price was raised due to high investor interest, attracting support from companies like Google and Liberty Energy.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/fervo-raises-1-9b-in-major-boost-for-geothermal/
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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.
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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.
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The Rise In Demand For Cooling Sparks Interest In More Energy Efficient Air Conditioners
Transaera, a MIT spinoff, manufactures energy efficient rooftop air conditioning systems using MOF technology to remove moisture separately from cooling, resulting in 40% less energy usage compared to traditional systems. The systems cost 20% more but pay for themselves in energy savings within two years, with a useful life of 15 years. Metal-organic frameworks, a new class of materials, contribute to the energy efficiency gains by extracting moisture from the air. The company has partnered with manufacturers to install their systems in buildings, including a multi-year deal with Amazon to help achieve net-zero emissions by 2040. As more people and companies understand the benefits of MOF technology, the technology is expected to scale quickly, with Transaera systems offering rapid recapture of the extra cost and designed to fit seamlessly into existing infrastructure.
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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
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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/
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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/
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57 Countries Meet to Up Ambition on Climate
A new coalition of 57 countries met in Colombia to address global decarbonization and create a framework for a clean energy transition, excluding fossil fuel interests. The coalition aims to phase out coal, oil, and gas and accelerate progress at future COPs. Three voluntary "workstreams" were adopted to develop national and regional roadmaps, revamp the global financial system, and facilitate a fossil-fuel-free trade system. The coalition plans to continue exploring the art of the possible to benefit future climate negotiations and the global drive to net zero. Geopolitical shocks and disrupted oil flows are prompting import-dependent economies to accelerate shifts in energy strategy towards clean alternatives, highlighting the need for more efficient use of existing crops and the competition for clean energy technologies.
https://speedandscale.com/newsletter/57-countries-meet-to-up-ambition-on-climate/
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Solar farms can help to regenerate land while generating energy, new study finds
A new study analyzing 147 individual studies has shown that solar farms have regenerative effects on degraded land by reducing wind speeds, lowering surface and soil temperatures, and increasing soil moisture. Solar power was found to have positive impacts on the environment compared to fossil fuels, with solar farms significantly reducing wind speeds and albedo across different surface types. The majority of solar farms studied were located in arid climate conditions, with the largest number in China, the United States, and India. Solar farms were also found to significantly reduce soil temperature by 2.42°C and increase soil water content by 38.60%, particularly on cropland and grassland. These findings highlight the potential of solar farms to positively influence soil conditions in agricultural and grassland areas.