Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered photovoltaic properties in an organic semiconductor molecule called P3TTM, which has an "open-shell" character due to unpaired electrons, allowing for efficient photon-to-charge conversion in solar cells. The new material enables the fabrication of solar cells from a single, low-cost, lightweight material, potentially increasing overall efficiency. The findings were published in the study "Intrinsic intermolecular photoinduced charge separation in organic radical semiconductors" in Nature Materials, highlighting a promising advancement in solar cell technology for climate solutions experts.
Category: Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Production
– Improve Electrical System
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Illinois Passes Clean Energy Bill Expected to Save Residents $13 Billion
Illinois legislators have passed the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, which is expected to lead to the buildout of 3 gigawatts of battery storage and the creation of a Virtual Pilot Program. The bill aims to save Illinois families and businesses $13 billion on their electricity bills over the next 20 years. The Solar Energy Industries Association praised the bill for its focus on solar, storage, and a Virtual Power Plant program, which will create jobs and empower Illinois residents. Governor Pritzker is expected to sign the bill into law, showcasing Illinois as a leader in clean energy policy.
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New energy innovators emerge as the big winners from stunning success of battery rebate scheme
The federal government's battery rebate scheme has been a success, with over 105,000 new installations and 2 gigawatt hours of storage in four months. SigEnergy and Amber are emerging as winners in the market, offering lower cost technology and smart controls for consumers. Both companies are focusing on combining solar PV, battery storage, EV charging, and vehicle-to-grid technology to meet consumer needs. The growth in battery storage through federal rebate schemes is exceeding expectations, with around one in five rebate recipients signing up for retail offerings like Amber's. Plans are in place for V2G technology to become more widespread by 2030, potentially leading to many households becoming grid independent.
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China Dives in on the World’s First Wind-Powered Undersea Data Center
The UDC project in Shanghai is a model of environmental sustainability, utilizing offshore wind turbines to generate over 95% of its electricity and reducing energy consumption by 22.8%. The unique wind resources of the East China Sea support this initiative, which also reduces land usage by over 90% and eliminates the need for fresh water. Shanghai's goal to become a global innovation hub includes plans for further development in the cloud computing industry, with the UDC project serving as a stepping stone towards a larger offshore wind-powered project in the future.
https://www.wired.com/story/china-dives-in-on-the-worlds-first-wind-powered-undersea-data-center/
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Chinese scientists build mini perovskite-silicon tandem solar module with 26.41% efficiency
A Chinese research team has developed a sandwich buffer layer, MoOx/Ag/MoOx (MAM), to enhance carrier transport and efficiency in semi-transparent perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells. The layer improved performance and scalability of CsPbI3-based perovskite solar cells, achieving efficiencies exceeding 26% in minimodules. The MAM buffer layer showed long-term stability and scalability, with minimodules retaining over 93% of initial performance after 1,000 hours of storage. The research team aims to further enhance efficiency by finding suitable transparent, cost-effective materials to draw the two devices together in series for large-size tandem modules.
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C40 cities on track for 50 million good green jobs by 2030 as mayors deliver on World Mayors Summit job creation pledge
C40 Cities are committed to delivering 50 million green jobs by 2030, with a focus on inclusive economic growth and city-led climate action. The recent data highlights the importance of creating good green jobs in sectors like waste management, construction, transport, and energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve well-being. Mayors are accelerating investments in sustainable initiatives and working towards a just transition, recognizing the central role of cities in driving global climate and economic progress. Efforts are being made to address gender and equity gaps in green jobs, with a focus on providing fair wages, safe working conditions, and stable employment for all workers. The World Mayors Summit in Rio de Janeiro will further emphasize the need to scale up finance for city-led climate action and strengthen skills training to drive the transition to a green economy.
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DOE inks $1B supercomputer deal to shape energy sector
The Department of Energy is partnering with Advanced Micro Devices to build two supercomputers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, focusing on advancing nuclear power, fusion, grid modernization, and other priorities of the Trump administration. These machines will utilize artificial intelligence to accelerate the development of technologies like advanced reactors and batteries. The first supercomputer, named "Lux," is expected to be operational by early 2026 with triple the AI capacity of current supercomputers. The Department of Energy aims to bring new supercomputers online in a shorter timeline, from years to months, to drive progress in climate solutions.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/doe-inks-1b-supercomputer-deal-to-shape-energy-sector/
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EVChaja Looks To Scale Its Electric Corporate Shuttle & B2B Electric Van Service In Kenya
Kenyan company EVChaja is expanding its electric van operations and charging network to establish a 100% electric staff transport network, integrating solar-powered charging and AI-based route optimization. The country's electric vehicle market is growing, with a 300% rise in electric mobility consumption and a goal of 100% renewable energy generation by 2030. By accelerating the adoption of electric mobility, Kenya can reduce CO2 emissions, decrease its fuel import bill, and decrease its heavy reliance on fossil fuel imports through utilizing excess energy from geothermal plants for overnight charging of electric vehicles. This shift towards locally generated renewable electricity could significantly advance Kenya's electric mobility sector and decrease its trade deficit.
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US Army tests Swift Solar perovskite tech in deployable microgrid
US-made perovskite tandem solar cells from Swift Solar, with record efficiencies of 34.8% achieved in 2025, were recently used in a US Department of Defense cybersecurity demonstration, marking a significant milestone in their operational deployment. These modular microgrids, integrated with perovskite solar cells, offer quick setup and relocation capabilities for disaster response, military operations, and remote power generation. By depositing a thin layer on top of conventional silicon-based solar cells, perovskite tandems can boost electricity production by up to 30%, outperforming traditional silicon cells. With exclusive IP and funding, Swift Solar is ramping up commercial production for "gigawatt-scale" production by 2030, showcasing the promising future of solar energy.
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“Forget subsidies:” Solar-battery hybrids can deliver “incredibly competitive” power for big industry
Quinbrook, the developer of Australia's biggest battery, is focusing on hybrid solar and storage projects to power industrial energy needs at a competitive cost without government support. They are planning to build a smelting facility in Townsville powered by renewables, utilizing long-duration "infrastructure batteries" paired with cheap renewables. Australia is seeing a rise in DC-coupled solar-battery hybrid projects, with Quinbrook's partnership with China battery giant CATL allowing them to build batteries at a lower cost. Advancements in solar technology and batteries have led to historically low costs for solar energy, providing cheap and reliable energy for up to 18 hours a day in sunny locations like Gladstone and Townsville, without relying on government subsidies.