Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Electricity

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

  • DOE unveils road map to develop fusion for electricity

    The Department of Energy has released a fusion road map involving input from over 800 scientists and engineers to expedite the development of fusion technology for future electricity mix. The plan outlines the infrastructure needed to commercialize fusion within the next decade, aiming to harness the same reaction as the sun and stars to produce electricity at scale. Collaboration between industry, universities, and national laboratories is crucial to closing technology gaps and making fusion a reality.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/doe-unveils-road-map-to-develop-fusion-for-electricity/

  • Sonoma Clean Power aims for 1,000 no-cost smart thermostats amid VPP push

    Sonoma Clean Power is launching a project to install smart thermostats for up to 1,000 income-qualified customers at no upfront cost, funded by a $4.99 million grant from the California Energy Commission. This initiative is part of a broader effort to expand a multi-resource virtual power plant and increase participation in automated demand response programs among lower-income customers. SCP is also partnering with community organizations for multilingual outreach to help low-income customers reduce energy bills. The utility company's Virtual Power Plant aims to strengthen customer relationships, improve grid efficiency, and potentially reduce wholesale power costs by getting people more interactive with the grid.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/sonoma-clean-power-aims-for-1000-no-cost-smart-thermostats-amid-vpp-push/822515/

  • Turkey, Australia to push for global electrification goal at UN climate summit

    Turkey, as the host of COP31, is pushing for a collective target to electrify 35% of global energy use by 2035 in order to shield families and businesses from volatile energy markets, exacerbated by rising fossil fuel costs due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The electrification of daily life, including transport, buildings, and industry, is a central theme of the conference, with Turkey seeking to rally a global coalition to back this objective during their COP31 presidency.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/turkey-australia-to-push-for-global-electrification-goal-at-un-climate-summit/

  • A New Era for Industry: AirPlantTM One is Online

    AirPlant OneTM in Moses Lake, Washington is now online producing E-Jet® SAF and E-Naphtha, marking a major milestone for Twelve in the new era of manufacturing. The products are piloted with P&G and Mercedes-Benz, with support from various partners and customers, signifying a shift towards eManufacturing. This innovative process uses renewable electricity to produce everyday products from air and water, showcasing a sustainable solution for reducing carbon emissions in manufacturing.

    https://www.twelve.co/post/a-new-era-for-industry-airplant-one-is-online

  • 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.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/11/solar-plus-storage-microgrids-now-delivering-competitive-baseload-power/

  • Foam-based floating PV system for cold climates

    Researchers from Western University in Canada conducted an experiment on a foam-backed floating PV system in a cold climate using an air-bubbler system to prevent ice formation. They found that the system generated more energy annually compared to other PV models and was economically viable in freezing winters, with a positive net present value and a discounted payback period of 4.2 years. The system also showed potential for water conservation and supporting agricultural water needs. The experiment involved measuring various parameters and comparing them to leading PV temperature models, leading the researchers to conclude that the foam-based FPV system was successful in generating energy and addressing climate challenges in cold climates, supporting the use of floating photovoltaic systems for sustainable energy expansion.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/10/foam-based-floating-pv-system-for-cold-climates/

  • Largest Solar Cell Factory In USA Starts Production in Georgia

    Qcells has opened a new solar cell manufacturing facility in Cartersville, Georgia, adding 3.3 GW of ingot, wafer, cell, and 3.5 GW of module capacity, making it the first U.S. factory to produce all major parts of a solar PV module under one roof. The company will benefit from tax credits and subsidies from the Biden administration, creating thousands of skilled manufacturing jobs and meeting the growing demand for domestically produced solar equipment. The thriving solar power industry in the United States, with Qcells expected to create nearly 4,000 direct jobs, can now power around 80 million homes. CleanTechnica provides in-depth analyses and summaries on clean energy topics, offering tips, advertising, and guest suggestions for those interested in climate solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/09/largest-solar-cell-factory-in-usa-starts-production-in-georgia/

  • 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/

  • 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.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/australia-endorses-ambitious-new-global-electrification-target-to-hasten-exit-from-fossil-fuels/

  • Afrika Vuka Week 2026

    Africa is facing a severe energy crisis with 600 million people lacking electricity access, exacerbated by fuel price spikes, debt distress, and food insecurity. Women are disproportionately affected, spending hours on unpaid care work. Afrika Vuka Week 2026 mobilized for clean energy advocacy rooted in people's power. The Week of Action focused on affordable renewable energy as a human right, with local communities demanding political accountability and a just energy transition. The REPower Afrika campaign emerged as a roadmap for transitioning towards community-owned renewable energy solutions, empowering African nations to lead their own energy transition. The call is for a renewable energy future that is fair, democratic, affordable, and free from debt, urging a shift towards community-led renewable energy to meet the needs of the people and build a sustainable future.

    https://350.org/afrika-vuka-week-2026/