Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Electricity

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

  • Sodium-ion battery storage for ultra-low temperatures

    Researchers from Purdue University have developed a sodium-ion battery pouch cell that can operate reliably at temperatures as low as -100 C, achieving specific energy levels of 96 Wh/kg at room temperature, 74 Wh/kg at -25 C, and 46 Wh/kg at -50 C. The battery was tested with renewable energy sources like wind and solar, showing stable performance in both laboratory and field conditions. This sodium-ion battery technology is considered a more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to the abundance of sodium compounds. The research paves the way for sustainable battery energy storage systems in harsh climates and space applications, with potential for solar energy storage in extreme conditions like deep-space missions or cold climates. Scientists are now exploring other solar cell and battery combinations for extreme environments, such as high-efficiency perovskite solar cells with sustainable battery chemistries.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/11/18/sodium-ion-battery-storage-for-ultra-low-temperatures/

  • RMI and Third Derivative Advance Cooling Innovations to Combat Global Heat Crisis

    Third Derivative and RMI are collaborating to advance passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) solutions to address the increasing cooling demand and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from traditional air conditioning. These technologies have the potential to lower indoor temperatures sustainably and affordably without electricity. Pilot projects in the US and India, supported by partners like the Autodesk Foundation and the Bezos Earth Fund, will test the performance, affordability, and scalability of PDRC products. RMI's Global Cooling Initiative focuses on sustainable cooling solutions, while Third Derivative's Global Cooling Innovations page offers more information on innovative cooling solutions. Together, these efforts are crucial for expanding access to zero-energy cooling solutions in heat-vulnerable regions and advancing towards a more equitable climate future.

    https://rmi.org/press-release/rmi-and-third-derivative-advance-cooling-innovations-to-combat-global-heat-crisis/

  • America’s EVs are a $30B grid asset. Let’s not lock it away.

    The article highlights the potential for electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce electricity rates and provide grid benefits through managed charging technology. Pioneering programs in states like California and New York are proving the effectiveness of managed charging for thousands of drivers. The key question is how industry leaders will implement this technology – whether through an open, competitive marketplace or closed, proprietary systems. The focus is on building an open, interoperable system that accelerates innovation and maximizes the potential for growth in demand flexibility, leading to increased EV adoption, improved grid reliability, and reduced energy costs for consumers.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/electric-vehicle-ev-grid-asset-charging-dr/805642/

  • Australian battery innovator lands federal grant to scope out giga-scale local lithium-sulfur cell factory

    Australian battery company Li-S Energy has received $7.86 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency to build a giga-scale lithium-sulfur cell manufacturing facility with a production capacity of 1 gigawatt-hour per year. Their third-generation lithium sulfur technology offers 45% more energy density and is safer than lithium-ion batteries, potentially revolutionizing industries like drones and e-aviation. The funding will support fine-tuning manufacturing processes, expanding the workforce, and fast-tracking the commercialization of breakthrough battery technologies to aid in the clean energy transition for energy storage and transport. Innovations are being pursued to improve performance, increase energy density, and reduce costs in the battery sector, with support from Arena CEO Darren Miller.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/australian-battery-innovator-lands-federal-grant-to-scope-out-giga-scale-local-lithium-sulfur-cell-factory/

  • Australia’s most renewable grid sets spectacular new wind record as it awaits word on COP hosting bid

    South Australia broke records for wind output and renewable energy share, reaching 155.1% of local demand, with an average share of 75% wind and solar aiming for 100% net renewables by 2027. New projects and battery storage are helping achieve this goal, reducing curtailment and reliance on fossil fuels. The state's transition to higher renewable shares and strong exports depends on storage, load-shifting, and additional transfer capacity. Join over 28,000 others in subscribing to the latest clean energy news from Giles Parkinson, founder of Renew Economy.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/australias-most-renewable-grid-sets-spectacular-new-wind-record-as-it-awaits-word-on-cop-hosting-bid/

  • ‘When finance flows, ambition grows”: COP30’s call for action

    At COP30, discussions highlighted the crucial role of financial mobilization in addressing the climate crisis, with the UN General Assembly President emphasizing the need for up to $1.3 trillion in annual climate finance to reach vulnerable countries. Renewable energy, particularly solar power, has emerged as the fastest-growing and cheapest energy source globally. Climate finance is seen as the "lifeblood" of climate action, capable of turning plans into progress and ambition into implementation. The UN climate chief stresses the importance of demonstrating that climate cooperation is working, as investments made now can shape the growth story of the 21st century, creating jobs, lowering living costs, improving health outcomes, protecting communities, and securing a more resilient, prosperous planet for all. This message is being delivered at COP30 in Belém to drive home the importance of financial support in achieving climate solutions.

    https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/11/1166376

  • One Of The Largest Solar Power Installations In Colombia Just Launched

    Atlas Renewable Energy has launched the Shangri-La solar project in Colombia, boasting a capacity of 201 MW and ranking as one of the country's largest solar facilities. This project can power over 214,000 Colombian families annually while offsetting nearly 161,000 tons of CO2 emissions. The 18-month construction phase created over 2,100 jobs, with 22% of the workforce being women, showcasing a commitment to inclusive growth. This investment in solar power aligns with Colombia's growing emphasis on renewable energy solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/15/one-of-the-largest-solar-power-installations-in-colombia-launched/

  • New Sodium-Ion Batteries Threaten The US Coal Recovery Plan

    Peak Energy, a US startup, is leading the way in sodium-ion battery technology, offering advantages over lithium-ion systems in terms of cost, supply chain security, scale, and safety. Partnering with Jupiter Power, they are set to build the world's largest sodium-ion battery energy storage system, delivering a 720-megawatt system in 2027. This development comes as coal power plants in the US face challenges from falling costs of renewable energy and energy storage systems, leading to scheduled retirements. The shift towards cleaner energy sources is driven by factors such as grid conditions, rising electricity demand, and the need for more reliable and cost-effective energy solutions, highlighting the potential for reliable and economical energy storage systems to support the transition to renewable energy in the US.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/15/coal-killing-sodium-ion-energy-storage-is-coming-to-kill-your-coal-power-plants/

  • Spain allocates €2 billion to expand clean energy and industry programs

    Spain's Ministry for Ecological Transition has announced a €2 billion funding package to accelerate industrial capacity, expand renewable deployment, and enhance energy resilience. The program, funded through the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Facility, focuses on industrial value chain development, renewable energy integration, electric mobility, and innovative thermal solutions. The package extends implementation deadlines and targets initiatives such as manufacturing renewable energy equipment, supporting renewable hydrogen projects, modernizing port infrastructure for offshore wind, and promoting electric mobility. The aim is to advance Spain's transition to a resilient, sustainable, and technologically advanced energy landscape in line with European energy and industrial objectives.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/11/14/spain-allocates-e2-billion-to-expand-clean-energy-and-industry-programs/

  • Used EVs Pull New Duty As Guardians Of The Grid

    The article discusses the benefits of purchasing used EVs, highlighting potential savings, grid balancing opportunities, and revenue generation through bidirectional charging. Newer EV models with higher driving ranges are retaining their value better than older models, debunking concerns over battery degradation. The inclusion of bidirectional charging technology in more EVs is expanding possibilities for using them as power generation stations to support local grids. A microgrid pilot project at Redwood Coast Airport in California is utilizing older Nissan Leafs to increase renewable energy, cut electricity costs, and participate in California's Emergency Load Reduction Program. The growing appeal of used EVs in the market is helping fortify US automakers and promote grid resiliency and mobility.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/14/used-evs-pull-new-duty-as-guardians-of-the-grid/