Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Electricity

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

  • Australia Nails It Again — On Large Data Centers This Time

    Australia is leading globally in rooftop solar power adoption, thanks to strong federal and state policies. The country is now working on legislation that will require large AI data centers to secure their own new clean energy supply, ensuring they contribute to the grid and do not increase power prices for Australians. This common-sense solution will make Australia the first country in the world to address these issues in a national framework. The legislation is expected to come into effect in early 2027, with requirements for new power supply, grid connection costs coverage, and potential power reduction when needed.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/07/17/australia-nails-it-again-on-large-data-centers-this-time/

  • Where solar meets the soil: The multi-benefit potential of ecovoltaics and agrivoltaics

    The energy industry is experiencing a surge in demand from data centers, crypto mining, and electric vehicles, while the federal government continues to prioritize fossil fuels. However, photovoltaic solar technology has become more efficient and cost-effective, offering a promising alternative energy source. Emerging methods like ecovoltaics and agrivoltaics are promoting biodiversity and ecosystem health by using PV solar panels to cultivate native plant growth. Studies have shown that ecovoltaic sites support more biodiversity, attract pollinators, and have positive impacts on soil health compared to traditional solar energy farms. Agrivoltaics, the integration of solar and agricultural production, can benefit habitat biodiversity, support native species, and provide mutual benefits for energy and food production, especially in states with limited land for both renewable energy and agriculture. Countries like Japan have already seen success with agrivoltaics, including projects that integrate livestock grazing under solar panels. Projects like the Cornucopia Hybrid Solar Project in California demonstrate the potential for agrivoltaics to deliver renewable energy, promote agricultural uses, and conserve groundwater while reducing fire risks and the need for vegetation maintenance.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/07/16/where-solar-meets-the-soil-the-multi-benefit-potential-of-ecovoltaics-and-agrivoltaics/

  • Scientists build 31%-efficient indium-free tandem perovskite silicon mini-module via reactive plasma deposition

    An international research team has developed an indium-free perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell using tin oxide films and a low-damage reactive plasma deposition process, resulting in high efficiency and stability. Published in Science, the research showcases the potential for reducing material costs while maintaining strong performance under various conditions. This breakthrough could lead to low-cost, sustainable, and scalable photovoltaic technologies on a terawatt scale, offering promising solutions for addressing climate change.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/07/17/research-breakthrough-develops-indium-free-tandem-solar-cell-with-31-efficiency/

  • Google’s $3.5B solar project pushes US into new territory

    The Steel River Energy Center in Arkansas, the largest solar and battery project in America, with 1,600 MW of solar and 1,900 MW of battery storage capacity, has garnered significant attention in the U.S. solar industry. Google's 20-year contract to purchase the electricity output highlights the tech industry's interest in renewable energy, while the project's $3.5 billion price tag and financing from four banks demonstrate investor confidence in the sector. Despite challenges like expired tax credits and logistical barriers, the project showcases the potential for solar and battery storage to meet growing electricity demand and the importance of domestic manufacturing in the clean energy industry. The steel coil used by PACO Steel for fabricating the project's pilings will be made in a way that is beneficial for the climate, further emphasizing the positive impact of the Steel River Energy Center.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/googles-3-5b-solar-project-pushes-us-into-new-territory/

  • Google inks deal for massive Arkansas solar and storage project

    Google has signed a deal with Cypress Creek Energy to invest in and receive energy from the largest solar facility in the United States, the Steel River Energy Center. The project includes 2.5 GW/2.9 GWh of solar and storage capacity, with Google acting as an anchor investor and offtaker. Expected to create 700 construction jobs during each phase, the project will be built in three phases and fully online by 2029. Solar panels made entirely in the U.S. and steel from Mississippi County facilities will be used, showcasing a commitment to domestic production and renewable energy solutions.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/google-inks-deal-for-massive-arkansas-solar-and-storage-project/825432/

  • 6 Records Solar & Storage Have Crushed in the First Half of 2026

    Solar and storage technologies are dominating new electricity generation capacity in the US, with solar making up 91% of new grid capacity added in Q1 2026 and surpassing coal as America's largest source of new electricity generation. California's battery fleet discharged a record 12.99 GW of power, covering 44% of demand, while setting a solar generation record of 23 GW covering 72% of afternoon demand. Texas has set multiple records, including renewables meeting 79% of electricity demand and batteries supplying 20% of evening electricity demand. Major grid operators like SPP, ISONE, MISO, and PJM are also setting new records for solar generation, showcasing how solar energy is not only reducing prices but also ensuring energy reliability and meeting rising electricity demand.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/07/16/6-records-solar-storage-have-crushed-in-the-first-half-of-2026/

  • Pilot tests show vertical PV system with specular reflectors delivers 51% higher yield

    Spanish startup FutureVoltaics has launched VectHor, a photovoltaic solution designed to increase irradiance capture and shift solar generation towards periods with higher electricity market value. The largest pilot plant in Lemoiz, Spain, using VectHor technology achieved a 51.4% higher specific yield compared to conventional installations, resulting in a 73.6% higher economic return. FutureVoltaics is collaborating with CABB to commercialize VectHor and plans to implement more installations in the future. The pilot project validates the durability and performance of the VectHor5 platform under challenging environmental conditions, contributing to improvements in installation and maintenance practices. The next iteration of the product will include improved reflector materials to further increase energy production and economic value of electricity generated.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/07/15/pilot-tests-show-vertical-pv-system-with-specular-reflectors-delivers-50-higher-yield/

  • The Philippines inaugurates first phase of massive solar-storage project

    The MTerra Solar project in the Philippines is a large-scale solar-plus-storage facility that will deliver 3.5 GW of solar capacity and 4.5 GWh of energy storage once completed. The first phase has energized 1,373 MW of solar and 825 MW of battery energy storage, fulfilling a 600 MW mid-merit power supply agreement with Meralco. The President of the Philippines emphasized the importance of diversifying energy sources towards renewables to reduce reliance on coal for power generation. This project is a significant step towards boosting the energy sector and increasing the share of renewables in the country's energy mix, showcasing the potential for large-scale renewable energy projects to drive sustainable solutions for climate change.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/07/15/the-philippines-inaugurates-first-phase-of-massive-solar-storage-project/

  • What ‘mother of all co-location projects’ raising $5bn means for 24/7 clean power

    The milestone $5 billion co-location project for 24/7 clean power by gigascale firm green power, such as the Masdar plant, is a significant step forward in achieving continuous clean energy production. This project stands out as an outlier in the industry and showcases the potential for large-scale clean energy solutions. Experts view this development as a positive sign for the future of sustainable energy production and a model for other companies to follow in the transition to clean power.

    https://www.rechargenews.com/analysis/what-mother-of-all-co-location-projects-raising-5bn-means-for-24-7-clean-power/2-1-2017065

  • Zayed Sustainability Prize Closes 2027 Submissions with Strong Global Participation

    The Zayed Sustainability Prize has closed submissions for its 2027 awards cycle, receiving a record 10,233 entries from 177 countries across six categories. The submissions reflect a growing emphasis on resilience, adaptability, and systems-level impact, with a focus on practical, community-focused solutions. Key trends include a strong focus on AI-enabled healthcare and agricultural technologies, decentralized energy, improved groundwater access, and circular economy approaches. The Climate Action category received the highest number of submissions, followed by Food, Health, Global High Schools, Energy, and Water, showcasing a global demand for practical solutions to address urgent challenges. The section discusses solutions in energy efficiency, renewable energy, water access, and climate action, with a focus on affordability, reliability, and community resilience. It highlights student-led projects in global high schools addressing renewable energy, water filtration, waste management, and biodiversity. The Zayed Sustainability Prize recognizes innovative solutions in various categories, with winners receiving funding to implement or expand their projects, positively impacting over 411 million lives worldwide and promoting sustainable development and resilience.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/07/15/zayed-sustainability-prize-closes-2027-submissions-with-strong-global-participation/