Category: Electricity

Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Production
– Improve Electrical System

  • Trump Makes The Case For Maritime Wind Power Even Better

    The article highlights the advancements in wind power solutions for the shipping industry, such as the AirWing Jet Sail and Norsepower Wind EdgeTM systems, which aim to significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions for cargo ships. Companies like VELA, CargoKite, and GT Wings are exploring innovative wind-assisted propulsion technologies to promote sustainability in maritime transport. These developments align with global efforts to prioritize climate-friendly solutions, despite the lack of support from some political leaders. By leveraging wind power, electrification, and alternative fuels, the shipping industry can make significant strides towards reducing its environmental impact and contributing to climate solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/20/trump-makes-the-wind-power-case-for-the-global-shipping-industry/

  • New York Build Expo: Heat Pumps Take Center Stage

    The New York Build Expo showcased a focus on heat pumps, with big names like Midea, GE/Haier, and Daikin presenting various types for windows, interior use, and hot water. Challenges of integrating heat pumps into existing buildings were discussed, along with industry consolidation and limitations in very cold weather. The section also highlighted solar solutions in the context of climate solutions, including insights on New York City's Local Law 97 and the importance of tax credits and incentives. Additionally, creating a market for recycled plastic and sustainable materials like mass timber and foamed glass aggregate were emphasized, showing a shift towards a more environmentally friendly built environment in NYC.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/20/new-york-build-expo-heat-pumps-take-center-stage/

  • The Hormuz Shock & The Rise Of The Electrostate

    The section discusses the potential impact of a disruption in the Strait of Hormuz on the global energy system and economy, highlighting the interconnectedness of fossil fuel shocks with various sectors. Vulnerability to such disruptions is concentrated in Asia, emphasizing the importance of transitioning to domestic electricity sources. China's focus on domestic energy sources and food security is highlighted, showcasing the benefits of investing in renewable energy and electrification technologies. The section also explores the fragility of hydrocarbon dependence and the need to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources to enhance resilience and reduce reliance on imported fuel.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/19/the-hormuz-shock-the-rise-of-the-electrostate/

  • Enhanced geothermal deployment could be compressed to under 3 years: report

    Enhanced geothermal projects ranging from 100 MW to 500 MW can be operational within three to six years, significantly reducing conventional development timelines. The Department of Energy is supporting geothermal development through funding opportunities for next-generation field-scale tests. Geothermal energy is a reliable renewable source with a capacity factor above 80%, and its decreasing costs combined with firm capacity value are strengthening the economic case. Fervo Energy's Cape Station geothermal plant in Utah, benefiting from technology transfer from the oil and gas industry, demonstrates the potential for rapid and scalable development of enhanced geothermal projects in the U.S.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/enhanced-geothermal-deployment-could-be-compressed-under-three-years-repor/815227/

  • From shuttered coal plant to gigascale battery: AGL begins commissioning of Liddell BESS

    AGL Energy is set to commission a new 500 MW, 1000 MWh battery at the site of a shuttered coal plant in New South Wales by mid-year, with support from federal and NSW governments. The Liddell battery will help firm up the state's grid as more coal exits and renewable energy comes online, part of a trend of transforming coal generation sites into battery storage hubs in NSW. This transition reflects the need to move away from aging coal-fired power stations, with the aim of supporting reliable renewable energy for years to come. The milestone at Liddell coincides with a new policy from the Minns government regarding coal mining, highlighting the shift towards sustainable energy solutions.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/from-shuttered-coal-plant-to-gigascale-battery-agl-begins-commissioning-of-liddell-bess/

  • Scientists demonstrate quantum battery prototype with rapid charging

    Scientists from CSIRO, RMIT University, and the University of Melbourne have developed a quantum battery prototype that charges, stores, and discharges energy based on quantum mechanics principles, offering rapid and scalable energy storage. Unlike conventional batteries, quantum batteries charge faster as they get larger, showcasing the potential to revolutionize energy storage and usage. The prototype, wirelessly charged with a laser, retains stored energy for a significantly longer time than it takes to charge, with the goal of extending energy storage time to make them commercially viable in the future. This innovation could play a crucial role in advancing sustainable energy solutions and combating climate change.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/19/researchers-demonstrate-proof-of-concept-quantum-battery-with-fast-charging/

  • Thermochromic bifacial PV glazing system for reducing building cooling loads

    Researchers in Hong Kong have developed a novel thermochromic bifacial photovoltaic glazing system that passively regulates solar heat gain while harvesting energy from both sides. The system integrates hydrogel-based thermochromic layers with bifacial PV modules to reduce cooling loads, indoor temperatures, and energy consumption. The hydrogel transitions from transparent to translucent as temperature rises, reflecting light towards the rear side of the PV glass for enhanced electricity generation. The prototype system optimizes building energy use, reduces costs, and emissions by dynamically modulating solar transmission and capturing reflected energy. The design addresses limitations of previous hybrid solutions by combining PV glazing and hydrogel-based TC technology in a single system for advanced glazing applications. The research on TC‐BiPV glazing shows significant benefits in reducing direct solar heat gain and increasing electricity generation compared to other glazing options. Annual simulations indicate that TC‐BiPV can provide a gain of 9-18% for skylights and 6-14% for vertical windows. The system also reduces indoor heat gain and cooling loads, making it a practical solution for energy-efficient building envelopes in warm climates. The study highlights the scalability and passive nature of the TC‐BiPV approach, emphasizing its potential for climate solutions.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/19/thermochromic-bifacial-pv-glazing-system-for-reducing-building-cooling-loads/

  • “Grow your own and buy local”: Networks seek change and flexibility to manage a 100 pct renewable grid

    Andrew Bills, chair of Energy Networks Australia, is advocating for regulatory change and more flexibility for homes and their power assets to support the transition towards 100% renewables in Australia. South Australia is on track to become the first gigawatt-scale grid in the world to reach 100% "net" renewables, with a significant amount of rooftop solar capacity. The networks are looking to become distribution system operators (DSOs) to better integrate renewable energy sources into the grid, incentivizing customers to be flexible with their energy usage. Households are upgrading their systems and trialling home energy management technologies to reduce load, starting with EVs. The focus is on creating a marketplace for participants to bid for response to network constraints, with regulatory and policy changes necessary to support this transition towards a more efficient energy market dominated by clean energy resources.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/grow-your-own-and-buy-local-networks-seek-change-and-flexibility-to-manage-a-100-pct-renewable-grid/

  • Vena Group and InCommodities sign $142m battery deal

    In a $200m agreement, Vena Group has partnered with InCommodities to establish the Bellambi Heights Battery Energy Storage System in New South Wales, Australia. This initiative is designed to enhance grid stability in response to the increasing expansion of renewable energy generation in the region. The BESS will play a crucial role in utilizing surplus solar power to supply approximately 280,000 homes with electricity. InCommodities' investment demonstrates a long-term dedication to the Australian energy market and supports the growing emphasis on renewable investment and strengthening critical grid infrastructure.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/vena-group-incommodities-142m-battery-deal/

  • 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/