Eighteen new EV fast chargers capable of charging up to 400 kW have been installed in Germany, running on 100% renewable electricity, providing a clean energy source for fully electric vehicles. Diesel emissions, linked to premature deaths in Europe, highlight the importance of transitioning to electric vehicles for cleaner air. EVs can also be integrated into virtual power plants and charged with home solar power, offering sustainable transportation solutions. For more information, listeners can contact the podcast or sign up for CleanTechnica's newsletters featuring cleantech stories and updates on sustainable solutions.
Category: Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Production
– Improve Electrical System
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Dominion upbeat on offshore wind as cost estimate eases, sales rise
Dominion Energy is prioritizing the completion of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, the largest wind farm in the US, by June 2027. The project is 75% complete with 9 out of 176 turbines installed, with an estimated capital budget of $11.4 billion and expected fuel savings of $5 billion over 10 years. Dominion's focus on transmission and distribution infrastructure, along with the growth in data center capacity, is driving significant regulated investment needs. Additionally, Dominion's Virginia territory will see an increase in gas generation, solar, and energy storage spending, with more opportunities for regulated capital deployment in the early 2030s. A new Virginia law requires Dominion to petition for 20 GW of energy storage projects by 2040, up from 3 GW by 2035, which will be reflected in the company's capital update next year.
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$3.2 Million Awarded For Tribal Solar Projects
Tribal Energy Alternatives has been awarded $3.2 million in grant funding to support solar energy access, workforce development, and energy resilience for Tribal Nations. The installations, which involve tribal contractors and trainees, aim to achieve energy independence and self-sufficiency through clean energy solutions, potentially saving $3,300 annually on utility bills. Additionally, over 500 tribal members have been supported in clean energy careers through training programs. This initiative highlights the importance of renewable energy sources in promoting sustainability and economic growth within Tribal Nations.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/02/3-2-million-awarded-for-tribal-solar-projects/
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Australian researchers develop vapour-based manufacturing process for lead-free perovskite solar
University of Queensland researchers have developed a scalable, lead-free perovskite solar cell manufacturing process that achieves record indoor-light efficiency without toxic materials. The new method eliminates the need for hazardous solvents and lead, making it better suited for scalable manufacturing. The panels made using this process are thin, scalable, and can be integrated into a range of products, offering an alternative to batteries for low-power electronics. The technology has the potential to replace silicon with higher efficiencies and commercial potential, with applications in consumer electronics and environmental sensors. Further testing is needed to ensure protection from oxygen and moisture.
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Oklo launches nuclear AI partnership
Oklo, Nvidia, and LANL have formed a partnership to develop nuclear-powered AI factories, aiming to accelerate advanced nuclear energy deployment through AI-enhanced fuel validation, materials science R&D, and designing nuclear-powered AI factories. This collaboration, part of the US Federal Government's Genesis Mission, includes projects like Oklo's Pluto reactor and Aurora Powerhouse, targeting commercial power generation by 2027. The integrated full-stack solutions involve AI development, grid stabilization studies, materials science efforts, and proof of concept work for nuclear-powered AI factories. LANL's R&D foundation for fast reactor development, Oklo's advanced fission plant permits, fuel from Idaho National Laboratory, and collaboration on advanced fuel recycling technologies with the DoE and US National Laboratories are key components of this partnership.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/oklo-launches-nuclear-ai-partnership/
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TotalEnergies, Nextnorth begin 440MWp solar project in Philippines
TotalEnergies and Nextnorth are collaborating on a 440MW solar power plant in the Philippines, expected to be operational by late 2027. This project, with a $300m investment, will generate 13.5TW-hours of electricity over two decades, with over half of it being sold to commercial and industrial users to reduce carbon emissions. The remaining electricity will be supplied to the national grid under the Philippines Government's Green Energy Auction Programme. Nextnorth, focusing on clean energy projects, aims to support the country's energy transition and economic growth, making this the largest international financing endeavor for a solar project in the Philippines.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/totalenergies-nextnorth-begin-440mwp-solar-project/
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In Colombia, 57 Nations Chart A Path To A Future Without Fossil Fuels
The recent climate talks in Colombia brought together nearly sixty nations to develop national "road maps" to end the production and use of fossil fuels, marking a departure from the annual UN climate negotiations. The event focused on practical steps to transition away from fossil fuels, with positive feedback from attendees. The head of the International Energy Agency noted that the war in Iran has irreparably damaged fossil fuel markets, leading countries towards renewable energy sources. France announced plans to phase out fossil fuels, and a "coalition of the willing" countries aims to accelerate the retreat from fossil fuels. The impact of the conference may depend on government implementation of policies and the participation of more countries in future efforts.
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Inorganic perovskite solar cell based on tetraphenyl-porphine zinc interlayer achieves 82% fill factor
An international research team has proposed a novel perovskite solar cell architecture incorporating a thin tetraphenyl-porphine zinc interfacial layer to enhance surface potential, passivate defect states, and improve charge transport, leading to improved device efficiency and operational stability with power conversion efficiencies exceeding 13%. The surface potential of cesium lead iodide bromide (CsPbIBr2) perovskite solar cells is enhanced by depositing a thin layer of tetraphenyl-porphine zinc (TPP-Zn) onto the active layer, enabling simultaneous suppression of surface defects and enhancement of charge carrier dynamics. Researchers have developed an optimized CsPbIBr2 perovskite solar cell with a peak efficiency of 13.47% and impressive performance metrics, demonstrating a promising approach for stable and high-performance inorganic perovskite solar cells. This study showcases a successful collaboration among scientists from various universities, as detailed in the article "Surface engineered wide-bandgap all-inorganic perovskite solar cells achieve a fill factor exceeding 82%."
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Renewables growth cut Spain’s electricity bills by 24.2% over the past two years
A new report from Positive Money reveals that Spain and Portugal have significantly reduced their exposure to gas price volatility by 53% in the past three years, thanks to the expansion of renewable energy. The study underscores how renewable energy is reshaping electricity prices in Europe, decreasing reliance on gas and mitigating vulnerability to volatile energy markets. The report also highlights the European Union's continued dependence on imported fossil fuels, leaving it susceptible to price shocks and geopolitical instability. Additionally, the report emphasizes the economic incentives for energy storage investments driven by low midday prices and higher evening peak prices, signaling the growing importance of energy storage technologies in the transition to a more sustainable and reliable energy system amidst shifting market dynamics.
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What fossil fuels really cost us in a world at war
Anne Jellema of 350.org discusses the devastating impact of the war on Iran and Lebanon on global economy and households, with potential costs exceeding $1 trillion in adverse scenarios. The fossil fuel crisis is draining households and economies worldwide, with $158-$166 billion already extracted due to soaring prices, highlighting the urgent need for a global shift towards affordable clean energy solutions to address energy poverty and reduce dependence on costly and unsustainable fossil fuels. Governments should implement windfall taxes on fossil fuel companies, shift subsidies towards renewable solutions, and accelerate the rollout of clean energy technologies like solar and wind to create a more stable, fair, and resilient energy system.
https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/04/30/what-fossil-fuels-really-cost-us-in-a-world-at-war/