Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Electricity

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

  • Japan signs first fusion power PPA

    Japanese start-up Helical Fusion has signed a Power Purchase Agreement with Aoki Super Co, marking the first fusion-energy PPA in Japan. The fusion reactor, based on the stellarator design, aims to deliver the world's first commercially viable stellarator for electricity generation. Helical Fusion plans to build a pilot reactor with a generation capacity of 50-100 MWe and have it operational around 2040, with Aoki Super's strategic investment in July 2025 showcasing their commitment to sustainability. Both companies believe fusion energy can support environmentally responsible retail operations, highlighting the potential for fusion energy to play a key role in sustainable energy solutions.

    https://www.neimagazine.com/news/japan-signs-first-fusion-power-ppa/

  • Cambridge startup targets 15% module efficiency gain

    Cambridge Photon Technology, a UK-based startup, has secured funding to commercialize a photon multiplication technology that can boost solar panel output by up to 15% without changing existing manufacturing processes. The technology splits high energy photons into two half-energy infra-red photons, increasing the number of usable photons for silicon PV cells. In addition to efficiency gains, the technology also reduces heat and acts as an ultraviolet photoprotective agent, contributing to the preservation of a PV module's intrinsic efficiency over time. The startup plans to demonstrate the technology's effectiveness to the industry over the next two years and investigate its impact on module temperature and UV degradation, with the potential to significantly improve the performance of photovoltaic modules.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/11/cambridge-startup-targets-15-module-efficiency-gain/

  • Rooftop solar and batteries on centre stage: Six key graphs from AEMO’s transition roadmap

    The Australian Energy Market Operator has released the draft of its 2026 Integrated System Plan, outlining the transition of Australia's main grid to renewables and storage. The plan highlights the growth of rooftop solar and the potential for an accelerated transition to green energy, with a focus on addressing transmission concerns and the continuation of coal in Queensland. AEMO is unsure how to keep coal running until 2049 due to aging coal-fired power stations being a threat to grid reliability, but the concept of "baseload" is expected to be phased out. The grid is projected to reach 82% renewables by 2030, leading to a significant drop in emissions and paving the way for further emission cuts in other sectors as they electrify and transition to renewables.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/rooftop-solar-and-batteries-on-centre-stage-six-key-graphs-from-aemos-transition-roadmap/

  • Q&A: Five key climate questions for China’s next ‘five-year plan’

    China's upcoming 15th five-year plan in China will have a significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions, influencing clean energy growth and meeting climate commitments. The plan is crucial for aligning with Paris Agreement goals, setting clean-energy targets, capping coal consumption, and preventing emission rebounds. China faces challenges in meeting its climate targets, with a marked slowdown in carbon intensity reduction. To achieve the required reduction in carbon intensity, China would need to increase the share of non-fossil energy and reduce coal consumption. Policymakers are working on implementing a "dual control of carbon" system to manage emissions and face a choice between slowing down the clean-energy boom or retiring older coal-power plants to address challenges.

    https://www.carbonbrief.org/qa-five-key-climate-questions-for-chinas-next-five-year-plan/

  • AEMO draft plan confirms essential role for long-duration storage in Australia

    The Draft 2026 Integrated System Plan (ISP) by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) underscores the critical role of hydropower, pumped storage, grid-scale batteries, and renewable energy in Australia's future electricity system. With a focus on long-duration storage technologies to manage low wind and solar output, the plan outlines the need for 12GW of pumped storage, 32GW of batteries, and 120GW of new wind and solar by 2035. The forecasted closure of two-thirds of the remaining coal fleet by 2035 highlights the transition towards cleaner energy sources. Stakeholders have until February to provide input on the plan, offering an opportunity for businesses to stay informed and adapt to the evolving climate landscape.

    https://www.waterpowermagazine.com/news/aemo-draft-plan-confirms-essential-role-for-long-duration-storage-in-australia/

  • Small islands, big impact: the role of solar PV for the tropics

    Many island nations are vulnerable to climate change and reliant on costly fossil fuels, creating economic pressures. Renewable energy pathways are feasible and economically viable on islands, but research gaps remain. Studies highlight pathways for islands to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 through high electrification and rapid renewable energy adoption. Solar PV dominates electricity generation in tropical islands, with offshore technologies providing a scalable pathway to a sustainable energy future. Wave power enhances energy system diversity and complements solar PV and wind power generation. The concept of a Solar-to-X Economy in tropical islands, where low-cost solar PV electricity is used to produce e-fuels, e-chemicals, and e-materials, enables deep defossilization of hard-to-abate sectors. Importing e-fuels can play a key role in cost-effective renewable energy systems on islands like the Caribbean and the Maldives. Integrating solar PV-driven solutions within a Solar-to-X Economy provides environmental and economic benefits, with key elements for defossilization including low-cost renewable electricity, energy storage, electrification, e-fuel imports, sector coupling, and grid interconnections. Power-to-X technologies are crucial for achieving carbon neutrality, energy security, and economic growth in island nations, with solar energy being a key focus in research at LUT University.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/12/small-islands-big-impact-the-role-of-solar-pv-for-the-tropics/

  • DMEGC launches framed solar module weighing 7.5 kg/m2

    At the EnerGaïa trade show in France, Chinese manufacturer DMEGC unveiled the DMxxxM10RT-54HBW-LV lightweight rooftop solar module designed for roofs with low load-bearing capacity, weighing less than 7.5 kg/m2. With a power output of 460 W, the module meets the requirements of fragile roof structures and is certified to IEC standards. By utilizing thinner glass, the module aims to make thousands of square meters of rooftops usable for solar energy, offering a promising solution for expanding solar energy capacity in areas with limited roof strength.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/10/dmegc-launches-framed-solar-module-weighing-7-5-kg-m2/

  • NYPA adopts 5.5-GW renewable plan amid concerns over affordability, policy changes

    The New York Power Authority has approved an update to its renewables plan, adding 2.5 GW of planned capacity for a total of 5.5 GW, which includes solar, wind, distributed energy storage, and compressed air storage projects. NYPA aims to help the state meet its clean energy targets, focusing on developing 15 GW of renewables to supplement private sector energy development in New York. The plan emphasizes the importance of delivering clean, affordable electricity as electric demand grows, while also addressing challenges such as increased costs and power shortages. NYPA's updated renewables strategic plan is focused on developing clean energy projects to strengthen grid resiliency, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and ensure affordability and equity in the state's clean energy transition.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/nypa-renewable-energy-plan/807542/

  • The Way Things Are Is Not the Way They Have to Be

    Uruguay successfully transitioned its entire economy to rely on renewable energy sources in just two years, slashing poverty rates and showcasing the economic benefits of clean energy. The shift towards green energy was driven by crises and challenges, leading to long-lasting solutions and the ability to export excess energy to neighboring countries. The country's approach, framed as an economic opportunity rather than a climate change issue, highlights the financial incentives of transitioning to clean energy. The article emphasizes the importance of public ownership in ensuring equitable access to resources and the redistributive potential of energy distribution as a tool for social justice. The discussion also touches on the potential for other countries to lead in climate solutions and the need for a just green transition globally.

    https://drilled.media/news/DrillingDeep-Natasha

  • Snapsun introduces rooftop mounting system made of recycled plastic

    French mounting system provider Snapsun, a unit of recycled plastic provider Cifra, has introduced a new lightweight rooftop PV mounting system made from recycled plastic. The system, weighing only 8 kg, simplifies installation and reduces physical strain with integrated cable guides and clip-on connectors. Compatible with most conventional photovoltaic panels, the system's adjustable mounting bracket housings can accommodate panels up to 1,180 mm wide. Installation is quick and straightforward, requiring minimal training, making it a promising solution for sustainable and efficient solar energy deployment.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/10/snapsun-introduces-rooftop-mounting-system-made-of-recycled-plastic/