Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Electricity

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

  • 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/

  • 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.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/30/in-colombia-57-nations-chart-a-path-to-a-future-without-fossil-fuels/

  • 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.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/01/australian-researchers-develop-vapour-based-manufacturing-process-for-lead-free-perovskite-solar/

  • 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/

  • 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%."

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/01/inorganic-perovskite-solar-cell-based-on-tetraphenyl-porphine-zinc-interlayer-achieves-82-fill-factor/

  • 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/

  • 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.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/30/renewables-growth-cut-spains-electricity-bills-by-24-2-over-the-past-two-years/

  • In a first, fusion company applies for US grid connection

    Commonwealth Fusion Systems, the first developer of nuclear fusion technology, has applied to connect their planned power plant to the PJM Interconnection grid in Virginia. This move aims to demonstrate the feasibility of delivering low-carbon electricity to customers by the early 2030s. The application process, expected to take four to six years, is the initial step towards integrating the 400-megawatt fusion power plant into the grid. PJM will conduct grid simulation models to ensure the project can reliably provide electricity, marking a significant advancement in the development of fusion technology for sustainable energy solutions.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/in-a-first-fusion-company-applies-for-us-grid-connection/

  • Construction starts on US’ first utility-scale advanced NPP

    TerraPower is constructing the Natrium plant, Kemmerer Unit 1, the first utility-scale advanced nuclear power plant in the US, featuring a sodium-cooled fast reactor with an integrated molten salt-based energy storage system for increased energy output as needed. Part of the US Department of Energy's Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, the Natrium plant aims to serve as a blueprint for future plants globally, providing steady base output and quick ramp-up during peak demand, offering a unique and innovative addition to America's energy infrastructure.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/construction-starts-on-us-first-utility-scale-advanced-npp/

  • New Records Set in the Renewable Energy Marathon

    Renewable energy is leading the way in global energy supply growth, with solar being the largest contributor in 2025. The world installed a record amount of wind and solar in 2025, with projections showing that solar, wind, and energy storage will make up the majority of new energy capacity in the coming years. This shift towards clean energy is expected to continue, phasing out fossil fuels and accelerating the transition to a clean energy future. The increase in wind generation is breaking records in California and other regions, showing the potential for continued growth in wind power. The growth of renewables is crucial in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and combating climate change.

    https://blog.ucs.org/john-rogers/new-records-set-in-the-renewable-energy-marathon/