California is moving forward with plans for offshore wind development in Humboldt Bay, with hopes of reaching 25 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2045. The project involves the construction of floating turbines in deep waters off the coast, with challenges such as objections from local residents and opposition from the Trump administration. The state is focusing on onshore preparations and seeking partnerships with the federal government and private sector to secure funding for the project. Concerns about potential harm to the ecosystem and impacts on local communities are being debated, highlighting the need to balance the benefits of clean energy with the protection of cultural and natural resources in the area.
Category: Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Production
– Improve Electrical System
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A Tale of Four Cities on Infill, Emissions, & Political Nerve
The section discusses how four cities – Calgary, Edmonton, Minneapolis, and Vancouver – are approaching the challenge of accommodating more people in existing neighborhoods while reducing infrastructure costs, transport emissions, and building energy use. Calgary initially made a citywide move to allow for more housing diversity but later reversed it due to political backlash. The most effective emissions reductions come from adding homes in location-efficient, transit-supportive, walkable neighborhoods. The article emphasizes the importance of building energy-efficient, compact, mixed-use developments close to transit and amenities to reduce vehicle miles traveled, energy use, and CO2 emissions. Edmonton's zoning bylaw renewal focused on compact growth and climate implications, resulting in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Minneapolis implemented zoning reform in 2019 allowing up to three units on low-density lots as part of a comprehensive plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. Vancouver has a more aggressive approach, allowing up to six dwelling units on a single lot and requiring zero-emissions equipment for heating in new buildings. The overall message is that comprehensive and integrated policies are needed to ensure low-carbon and politically durable urban development, with a focus on infill development, zero-emissions buildings, and strong transport policy.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/10/a-tale-of-four-cities-on-infill-emissions-political-nerve/
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RWE installs CO2-reduced steel tower and recyclable blades
RWE's Thor wind farm in the Danish North Sea is set to be fully operational by the end of 2027, featuring 72 turbines with up to 15MW capacity each. The project incorporates reduced-CO2 steel towers, recyclable rotor blades, and GreenerTower technology on 36 turbines, with 120 recyclable blades. Offshore construction is on track, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of offshore wind energy production. The project not only creates local job opportunities but also promotes a more sustainable approach to wind energy production.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/rwe-installs-co2-reduced-tower/
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Ontario backs 12 solar projects totaling 915 MW
Ontario has approved 12 solar projects and 2 wind projects, totaling over 1.3 GW of capacity and adding 3 TWh of new annual capacity to the grid. These projects, with at least 50% Indigenous equity ownership, will power over 350,000 homes and are awarded 20-year agreements. The procurement exercise highlights the readiness of renewable energy to meet rapid growth challenges, with solar capacity in Canada expected to reach 21 GW by the mid-2020s. Commercial operations for these projects are set to begin by May 2030.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/10/ontario-backs-12-solar-projects-totaling-915-mw/
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Internet-of-Things could bring solar module water cooling closer to commercial viability
A Czech research team has developed an IoT system for actively cooling PV panels, resulting in a 7.38% increase in daily energy yield and a positive net energy balance. The system utilizes a distributed architecture with edge, fog, and cloud layers, enabling autonomous operation and real-time decision-making. The study, published in Energy Conversion and Management: X, confirmed the system's effectiveness in improving energy efficiency and establishing a scalable foundation for future integration of AI-based control strategies. Scientists from the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice and the Czech Academy of Sciences were involved in the research.
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Wired for Security: The EU’s Post-2030 Climate Architecture
The EU's 2040 climate target focuses on electrification powered by domestically generated renewable energy to reduce energy insecurity and dependence on imported fossil fuels. The post-2030 framework should prioritize clean electrification, with legislation like the Renewable Energy Directive and Energy Efficiency Directive playing key roles. The emphasis is on resilience and reducing exposure to global fossil fuel markets and geopolitical crises. Additionally, the EU Climate Law should be amended to include a legal obligation covering non-CO2 aviation effects to ensure sector-specific accountability and clear linkage to the 2040 trajectory. Carbon markets should complement national climate action, with revenues funding clean mobility and building renovation.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/09/wired-for-security-the-eus-post-2030-climate-architecture/
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Sodium-ion battery study claims zero thermal runaway breakthrough
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a polymerizable non-flammable electrolyte for sodium-ion batteries, achieving "zero thermal runaway" and eliminating fire and explosion risks. This breakthrough in battery safety could accelerate the commercial use of sodium-ion technology, potentially revolutionizing the field of battery technology. The new electrolyte provides active thermal blocking, making it a game-changer in the quest for safer and more efficient energy storage solutions.
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Made in the shade: How electric vehicles could be the perfect partner to rooftop solar in tropical cities
New research suggests that electric vehicles (EVs) could help manage distributed solar generation in tropical cities prone to thunderstorms by using parked EVs to store solar energy and act as temporary grid capacity during cloudy periods. This approach could mitigate the need for costly infrastructure upgrades to handle fluctuations in electricity generation caused by tropical thunderstorms, allowing for more efficient use of the existing grid and integration of more solar photovoltaics without the need for additional transmission line capacity. The research focuses on a decentralized electric vehicle charging strategy in Singapore that aligns with urban mobility patterns, showing potential for large-scale photovoltaic integration in tropical cities through decentralized EV charging even in car-light environments.
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Balcony Solar Is Here, And It’s Not Just For Balconies
Lawmakers in states like Utah, Virginia, and Maine are introducing legislation to promote the use of balcony solar panels, which plug into household outlets and reduce electricity usage from the grid. The movement has faced hurdles in the US due to utility and landlord restrictions, safety concerns, and aging housing stock, but efforts are being made to address these issues. In Maine, where electricity rates have increased by 68% over the past five years, the potential benefits of balcony solar systems are being highlighted. Non-profit organization Bright Saver is advocating for balcony solar in the US, with kits already available in California, and supermarket chain Lidl is planning to carry plug-in solar panels at its UK stores. The Biden-era federal tax credits for household renewable energy improvements are seen as a helpful incentive for investing in solar energy. Companies are establishing a presence in solar-friendly states on the East Coast, using balcony solar kits to generate clean electricity and reduce monthly utility bills.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/03/balcony-solar-is-here-and-its-not-just-for-balconies/
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‘Motherhood further shaped my leadership perspective’
Margarita Licht, Product Manager at Goldbeck Solar, emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives and cognitive styles in the solar and energy storage sector for smarter solutions and effective problem-solving. Energy storage within the solar sector requires multi-disciplinary thinking to address complex challenges like grid balancing and battery optimization. Inclusion and diversity in teams lead to better outcomes, as different backgrounds bring unique approaches to problem-solving. Licht's leadership perspective, shaped by motherhood, highlights the need for diversity in cognitive styles to enhance decision-making processes and drive meaningful impact in the industry. She focuses on creating inclusive environments that value individual strengths and enable different perspectives to contribute to valuable solutions. The article also discusses the importance of aligning technical and commercial decisions at all levels to deliver sustainable infrastructure and reliable energy solutions, with a focus on the participation of women industry leaders and experts at Women in Solar+ Europe, including Margarita Licht.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/03/motherhood-further-shaped-my-leadership-perspective/