Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Electricity

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

  • Texas Scores Another Solar Factory, Trump Or No Trump

    TOYO Solar, a Japanese firm, is investing $357 million in a 1.5-gigawatt solar cell manufacturing facility in Texas to produce HJT solar cells, known for enhanced performance in hot climates. This move represents a significant step towards cleaner and more efficient solar energy production in the US. The company aims to meet domestic content requirements and strengthen the supply chain security of the US solar industry, which is thriving and outpacing fossil energy systems for new power generation capacity additions. By focusing on tandem solar cells that combine silicon and perovskites for durability and efficiency, TOYO is driving advancements in solar conversion efficiency and creating 400 direct jobs in the city.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/09/solar-cells-new-factory-texas-us-hjt-toyo/

  • CIP to sell minority stake in 500MW Devilla battery project

    The Devilla project in Scotland, developed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, is set to become one of Europe's largest battery storage installations with a capacity of 500MW using Li-ion technology. Expected to be commissioned in 2028, the project has secured investments from the Scottish National Investment Bank and the Nuclear Liabilities Fund. Along with two other battery storage projects in Scotland, the Devilla project will have a combined power capacity of 1.5GW and store 3GW-hours of electricity, benefiting energy security and reducing costs for consumers. CIP is also working on additional battery storage projects in Scotland and England, showcasing a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/cip-sell-minority-stake-devilla-battery-project/

  • Solar Energy Saves Europeans $135 Million A Day

    Europe has seen significant savings in electricity costs due to the installation of solar power, avoiding billions in fossil fuel import costs. By deploying more solar, scaling storage, and accelerating electrification, Europe can reduce the role of gas in setting electricity prices and build a more secure and affordable energy system. Spain has doubled its wind and solar capacity, reducing the influence of expensive fossil generators on electricity prices. The focus on green technology in Europe has shown the benefits of renewable energy in reducing costs and increasing energy independence. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are setting new records for energy production in countries like Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, and the UK, proving to be cheaper and faster to install compared to fossil fuels. Global energy investment is shifting towards clean energy, with more money going into renewables, nuclear, grids, storage, efficiency, and electrification, further accelerated by political decisions and global events, making them the dominant energy sources of the future.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/08/solar-energy-saves-europeans-135-million-a-day/

  • All solar cell efficiencies at a glance – updated

    The latest edition of the Solar Cell Efficiency Tables, led by Professor Martin Green from UNSW, has been published as open access in the July 2026 issue of Joule. This version showcases record-breaking efficiencies for large area silicon cells and modules, advancements in lead halide perovskite cell development, and improvements in perovskite-silicon tandem cells and modules. Notable achievements include a 27.9%-efficient interdigitated-back-contact device developed by Longi. The research, which involves contributions from various institutions including the European Commission Joint Research Centre and the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory, highlights the continuous growth and advancements in photovoltaic technology.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/08/all-solar-cell-efficiencies-at-a-glance-updated-7/

  • Using a bird’s structural-color trick to color solar modules

    Researchers in China have developed a method for coloring PV modules using quasi-ordered photonic pigments that scatter light instead of absorbing it, increasing efficiency. Inspired by blue-feathered birds, the team created silica-polyacrylate structural color pigments for the modules. By varying the size of silica microspheres, different colors were achieved, with PCE enhancements of over 50% compared to traditional absorbing pigments. A new study shows that colored PV modules integrated into facades can deliver a high energy yield in both high and low latitude locations, with potential for building-integrated photovoltaics with visually appealing and efficient results.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/08/using-a-birds-structural-color-trick-to-color-solar-modules/

  • Document: Commission to set EU-wide smart meter targets

    The European Commission is proposing binding EU-wide targets for the rollout of smart meters to lower power bills and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The draft proposal aims for at least 50% of households to have smart meters by 2030, increasing to 65% by 2033. Smart meters can help consumers adjust their consumption for lower prices and contribute to more affordable energy bills. The proposal also includes reforms to network charges to incentivize efficient use of electricity networks and reduce costly grid investments.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/document-commission-to-set-eu-wide-smart-meter-targets/

  • Ed Darmanin Does the Big Lap around Australia on an Electric Motorbike

    Retired electrical engineer Ed Darmanin is planning to circumnavigate mainland Australia on an electric motorcycle, becoming the first to do so. The journey will cover approximately 18,000 km through every state and territory, with detailed planning involving charging stops using GPS route planning and PlugShare. The importance of having contingency plans for electric vehicle charging stations in remote areas is emphasized, along with the use of AI in planning long-distance electric motorcycle journeys. Ed's preparations for the journey from Sydney to Brisbane showcase the impact of tyre selection on range and the practical applications of AI in route planning, highlighting the technology's potential in climate solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/08/ed-darmanin-does-the-big-lap-around-australia-on-an-electric-motorbike/

  • EU clears $26.5bn of Italian State aid to boost renewable power

    Italy has received approval from the European Commission for a €23bn state aid scheme to boost renewable electricity generation, with a focus on onshore wind, solar, hydropower, and sewage gas projects. The goal is to add 37.15GW of renewable electricity capacity as part of Italy's target to have 39.4% of energy consumption from renewables by 2030. Financial support will be provided through contracts for difference over 20 years, with competitive bidding for larger projects and set prices for smaller ones. This initiative aligns with the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework and is designed to expedite Italy's shift towards renewable energy sources.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/eu-clears-italian-state-aid/

  • Halocell Energy secures grant for perovskite PV scale-up

    Halocell Energy has received a grant to expand its perovskite PV manufacturing capabilities in Wagga Wagga, Australia, with the goal of increasing production of indoor perovskite PV modules from 7,000 to 100,000 units per year. The funding will be utilized to upgrade equipment, optimize production processes, and expand the workforce. Halocell's lightweight and flexible PV modules are specifically designed for high-value applications, boasting high power density, low-light performance, and radiation tolerance, making them a promising solution for advancing renewable energy technologies.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/08/halocell-energy-secures-grant-for-perovskite-pv-scale-up/

  • As energy costs rise, Pacific people look to the sun

    Fijians are facing budgeting challenges due to increased fuel prices, prompting the pursuit of renewable energy targets to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Entrepreneurs like Pita Tamani are promoting solar energy as a sustainable solution, especially in rural areas, to alleviate rising living costs. The Solar Scholars training program in Fiji aims to empower Pacific community leaders to build and manage their own renewable energy infrastructure, reducing fossil fuel reliance and providing emergency energy during power outages. This initiative highlights the importance of transitioning towards renewable energy for a sustainable future in the Pacific region, emphasizing energy democracy and community-centered solutions.

    https://350.org/as-energy-costs-rise-pacific-people-look-to-the-sun/