Queensland achieved a new record of 79.5% instantaneous renewables plus storage share of consumption on May 31, 2026, surpassing the previous high of 78.4% in April 2026. This increase was attributed to the use of batteries, exports, and curtailment to manage the midday surplus, showcasing the growing importance of storage in NEM operations. Despite being the most coal-dependent grid in Australia, Queensland's transition towards higher renewable energy usage is evident. The significant increase in battery share of consumption highlights the state's progress towards a more sustainable energy future.
Category: Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Production
– Improve Electrical System
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“Just as common as solar-hybrids:” Most developers now including batteries in plans for wind
Wind developers in Australia are increasingly incorporating battery storage into their projects to address the challenge of low prices in the energy market. Battery manufacturers are offering longer warranties to support wind and solar hybrids, with some warranties extending up to 30 years. Turbine manufacturers like Goldwind and Envision are already testing wind and battery storage systems to better understand their potential in modern grids. The trend towards wind and battery hybrids is expected to become as common as solar-based hybrids in the future. Battery sizing for wind farms is complex, with considerations for revenue cannibalization and the timing of power generation influencing storage needs. Hybrid configurations offer benefits such as utilizing existing sites and monetizing curtailed energy, with considerations for turbine level power limits being important in modeling DC-coupled hybrids.
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Chile EV Sales Report: 10% Market Share Reached in April Thanks to 247% Growth!
Chile has been a leader in adopting new technologies in Latin America, with the highest per-capita deployment of solar and a comprehensive network for electric vehicles (EVs). Despite lagging in passenger EV adoption, the country saw a significant increase in EV sales after a rise in gasoline prices due to Trump's war in Iran. EV sales in Chile have grown significantly, with the market shifting from BEV-heavy to near parity between BEVs and PHEVs. This rapid growth in EV sales has been unique to Chile compared to other countries in the region. The increase in electric vehicle adoption in Chile has been significant, with Changan leading in April thanks to its affordable Cs55 PHEV. BYD and Tesla also hold top positions in the market. Chile has comprehensive efficiency regulations for vehicles, with stricter requirements coming in 2027 and 2029 for different categories. The availability of hyper-affordable ICEV models in Chile has slowed the transition to electric vehicles. Despite this, the Chilean market remains competitive and diverse in terms of EV models available. Chile's vehicle market ecosystem is competitive with affordable ICEV models, positioning the country to adopt EVs on a larger scale in the future. Despite a decline in ICEV sales, Chile has been a leader in electric bus adoption. The country may switch from gas and diesel to electrons due to economic incentives and energy independence from solar farms. Chile is on track to potentially become the first country in the region where combustion vehicle sales are falling despite total sales growing.
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Over 9,900 Electric Buses Operating In Latin America Now
The electrification of transportation extends beyond personal vehicles to include fleet vehicles like buses, which are crucial in reducing pollution and combating climate change. Diesel buses emit harmful air pollution and contribute to climate change, while electric buses powered by renewable electricity offer a sustainable solution to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Cities like Santiago, Chile and Copenhagen, Denmark are leading the way with large numbers of electric buses, demonstrating the potential for a future where all buses are electric and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/31/over-9900-electric-buses-operating-in-latin-america-now/
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Proposal for high fixed network charges is wrong on home batteries, dynamic pricing, and impact on CER
The AEMC's Pricing Review on electricity pricing aims to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and equity of current network electricity pricing and services in the context of increasing deployment of rooftop PV, home batteries, and electric vehicles. The focus is on putting electricity users first, addressing affordability challenges, improving energy self-sufficiency, and reducing environmental impacts. Household electrification and consumer energy resources are key to achieving these aims, as they can help flatten distribution network load peaks, increase network utilization, reduce costs, decrease emissions, and support the Federal Government's renewables target. The section also discusses the potential impact of moving network charges to fixed costs on the uptake of clean energy resources (CER) such as solar, batteries, and heat pumps, emphasizing the need for rigorous analysis to determine the net impact of CER on network costs, spot prices, and emissions reductions. Ultimately, the focus should be on policies and regulations that facilitate the uptake of CER to reduce electricity costs for all customers.
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California — Lowest Wholesale Electricity Prices in USA
California has achieved the lowest wholesale electricity prices in the US, with no blackouts since 2020, thanks to the success of solar, wind, and water power. WindWaterSolar has met over 100% of the California ISO grid's electricity demand for an average of 4.9 hours a day in 2026, showcasing the potential of renewable energy. Despite high retail electricity prices for other reasons, the abundance of cheap wholesale electricity from sources like sunshine, wind, and water is a key factor in keeping prices low. This renewable energy success in California is a significant win for clean energy solutions.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/30/california-lowest-wholesale-electricity-prices-in-usa/
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Connecticut Approves Plug-In Solar – It’s So Exciting!
Connecticut is set to become the sixth state to allow plug-in solar panels, enabling residents to easily add renewable energy to their homes without costly connection agreements with utility companies. The legislation will allow for portable solar panels that can be plugged into household electrical sockets, ideal for renters, apartment dwellers, and those with restrictions on traditional rooftop solar installations. The bill also includes provisions for extending solar programs, establishing new rules for solar use, and implementing incentives for low-income community solar and residential energy storage. This move towards small-scale solar capacity is part of a broader effort to promote the development of residential, agricultural, and corporate solar power in Connecticut, with an aggregate target of 180 megawatts per year starting in 2028, ultimately aiming to lower utility bills, improve system reliability, and expand consumer protection while gradually introducing clean energy solutions.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/30/connecticut-approves-plug-in-solar-its-so-exciting/
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An Easier Path To Heat Pumps: Monthly Lease, No Up-Front Cost
Heat pumps are gaining popularity in the US due to their energy efficiency, with sales surpassing gas furnaces for the fourth consecutive year in 2025. Startups like Quilt are developing more efficient systems and partnering with companies like Palmetto to reduce installation costs and expand rapidly across North America. Programs such as "Power Ahead Colorado" are working to accelerate heat pump adoption by addressing financial barriers and providing contractor training. Partnerships between companies like Palmetto and Quilt are offering monthly plans to make it easier for homeowners to switch to energy-efficient HVAC systems, while organizations like the Building Decarbonization Coalition are addressing permitting obstacles to streamline the process for energy upgrades. The focus on scalability and innovation in the built environment sector is evident in these developments, with companies like Symbium receiving investments to strengthen their leadership in instant permitting.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/29/heat-pumps-us-startup-quilt-lease-finance/
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5 pieces of good climate news that you probably missed recently
Global efforts towards climate accountability, energy sovereignty, and renewable energy are gaining momentum, with the United Nations affirming governments' legal responsibility to act on climate change. Pacific communities are embracing community-owned solar systems, while countries in Southeast Asia are increasingly turning to rooftop solar as global fuel prices rise. Polling across 13 countries shows growing support for renewable energy and a shift away from fossil fuels, as people demand cleaner, fairer, and more affordable energy systems. Activists in Africa are mobilizing for affordable, community-owned renewable energy, challenging the narrative of fossil fuel expansion. The transition to a safer, fairer, and more affordable energy future is already underway, with communities organizing, families choosing renewable energy, and young people demanding accountability.
https://350.org/5-pieces-of-good-climate-news-that-you-probably-missed-recently/
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All solar cell efficiencies at a glance – updated
The Solar Cell Efficiency Tables, led by Professor Martin Green from UNSW, have been updated to Version 68 and will be available as open access in Joule starting from July 2026. The latest results show new efficiency records for large area silicon cells, modules, and lead halide perovskite cells. Progress has also been made with perovskite-silicon tandem cells and modules, indicating a positive trend towards more efficient and sustainable photovoltaic systems. Additionally, Version 67 presented a new record of 27.9% efficiency for an interdigitated-back-contact (IBC) device developed by Longi, showcasing significant advancements in solar cell technology since the tables were first published in 1993. Scientists from various institutions around the world, including the European Commission Joint Research Centre, Germany's Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, and the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory, have contributed to these advancements.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/29/all-solar-cell-efficiencies-at-a-glance-updated-6/