The Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) in Australia has shown that government market design can influence investment behavior in renewable energy projects, incentivizing developers to engage with First Nations communities. The Electricity Services Entry Mechanism (ESEM) aims to provide investment certainty for services needed in the transition to renewable energy, with a focus on separating non-financial outcomes, such as First Nations participation, from the competitive auction process. It is crucial for the ESEM to align with Australia's First Nations Clean Energy Strategy to ensure early engagement, genuine partnership, and respect for the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent, recognizing First Nations as partners, participants, and rights holders in the clean energy transition. Policy choices made now will impact how benefits of the clean energy transition are shared in the future.
Category: Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Production
– Improve Electrical System
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Solar and storage account for 91% of new U.S. grid capacity in Q1
In the first half of 2026, the U.S. solar and energy storage sectors reached significant milestones, with solar and energy storage accounting for 91% of new electricity generation capacity added to the grid in the first quarter. Solar generation surpassed coal generation in May 2026, meeting 13% of total American electricity needs. California and Texas experienced record-breaking performance in battery storage and solar generation, with Texas emerging as the fastest-growing utility-scale solar market in the country. Regional transmission organizations nationwide set new solar generation records, underscoring the crucial role of renewable assets in ensuring grid reliability.
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Even Under Extreme Warming, ASEAN’s Wind & Solar Generation Variation From Normal Will Be Less Than 1% In 2030
A report by Ember emphasizes the importance of expanding renewable energy and strengthening grids in Southeast Asia to enhance power system resilience. Examples from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Viet Nam showcase the benefits of distributed renewables in offsetting fossil fuel capacity, improving disaster recovery, and reducing costs related to solar curtailment. The report underscores the need for renewable energy and grid upgrades to be central to policymaking in the region, while also highlighting the significance of investments in renewables, storage, and grid interconnection for building power systems that can withstand climate risks and disruptions. Practical guidance is provided for ASEAN governments to protect energy security and promote a more resilient clean energy future.
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Octopus Energy launches 100 controllable homes in bid to achieve zero average electricity costs over a decade
Octopus Energy has launched the "Zero Bills Homes" project in France, aiming to construct around 100 homes in Guichen-Pont-Réan that achieve zero net electricity costs within 10 years. The initiative utilizes rooftop solar generation, smart energy management, and residential storage to maximize self-consumption and reduce reliance on the grid. By combining photovoltaic panels, heat pumps, and home batteries, Octopus Energy plans to expand this model in France and reach 15,000 "Zero Bills" homes by 2030 through partnerships with real estate developers and local authorities.
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Harrisonburg, VA: The Friendly City is also becoming the Sustainable City
Harrisonburg, Virginia is making significant progress towards a cleaner and greener city through a variety of environmental initiatives and programs. The city's Public Works department is focused on stormwater management, urban forestry, and transportation planning to meet environmental goals by 2040, while the Public School system is involved in sustainability efforts like Bike, Walk and Roll to School Day, electric school buses, and solar panels. The Environmental Action Plan includes adding solar power to buildings, participating in Virginia C-PACE, and promoting initiatives like the Friendly City Solar Program and electric vehicles. City staff, residents, and organizations are working together to implement these efforts, emphasizing the importance of community support and persistence in achieving a more sustainable and affordable city for all.
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Are Electric Cars Making Us Healthier?
The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has led to significant improvements in air quality in cities like Beijing and California, with reductions in PM2.5, PM10, and carbon monoxide levels. This shift has resulted in the avoidance of hundreds of thousands of premature deaths and is estimated to bring over $1.2 trillion in public health benefits between 2020 and 2050. While the global sales of EVs continue to rise, concerns remain about environmental damage in EV supply chains and the reliance on coal in China's electricity grid. The American Lung Association advocates for federal investment in EV charging stations to further promote the transition to cleaner transportation options. The impact of EVs has been more pronounced in economically developed cities compared to less developed regions, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address air pollution and promote sustainable transportation solutions.
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/electric-vehicles-air-quality-health/
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Japan and UK eye ‘much cheaper’ floating wind buildout through subsea robotics
Japan and the UK are collaborating on offshore wind projects, with a focus on floating wind technology. Masakatsu Terazaki of FLOWRA highlighted the potential for cost-effective buildout of floating wind farms using subsea robotics. This partnership aims to advance offshore wind technology and help both countries achieve their renewable energy goals.
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Last of 1,038 Wärtsilä Quantum units installed at big battery next to gas plant in coal country
EnergyAustralia is leading the construction of a 350 MW, 1,400 MWh big battery in Victoria's Latrobe Valley to replace the Yallourn coal power plant. With all 1,000+ Wärtsilä battery units now in place, this project represents a major investment and a significant step in transitioning from coal to clean energy in the region. Set to be completed in 2027, the battery will play a crucial role in stabilizing the grid as the energy landscape evolves, showcasing a promising climate solution for the future.
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Cradle-to-Crisis Approach Improves Battery Safety & Performance
Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Laboratory of the Rockies are conducting advanced research on battery safety to prevent failures and design safer and more reliable battery systems for the future. They are using advanced imaging techniques, artificial intelligence models, and collaborations with industry experts to analyze battery behaviors and evaluate emerging battery chemistries like sodium, potassium-ion, and solid-state lithium metal. The lab's work under the ARPA-E JOULES program aims to support U.S. battery innovation and next-generation technologies, focusing on understanding and managing risks associated with high-energy density technologies like battery-powered electric vehicles. NLR's research aims to advance the industry responsibly, with a focus on safety throughout the life cycle of batteries, including energy storage, transportation, and mobility research.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/07/20/cradle-to-crisis-approach-improves-battery-safety-performance/
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From Darkness to Hope
The Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) has implemented a Solar for Communities Initiative in Awo Akpali, Nigeria, bringing clean and reliable electricity to the community's Primary Health Centre. Supported by 350Africa.org and the Global Greengrants Fund, this initiative aims to improve healthcare services, advance climate justice, and empower underserved communities. By providing electricity, restoring dignity to healthcare workers and patients, and promoting renewable energy, GIFSEP is leading a just energy transition towards a safe, prosperous, and equitable world. Through training young people in solar installation and maintenance, GIFSEP is creating new livelihood opportunities and building a powerful climate movement for cleaner technologies, improved livelihoods, better healthcare, and increased resilience.