Right wing pundits Katie Miller and KellyAnne Conway, along with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, have shown support for solar power. The US Department of Agriculture plays a significant role in administering grants and loan guarantees for farmers to save on energy costs through solar projects, with the REAP initiative providing opportunities for wind and solar power since 2002. However, under the Trump administration, there was a freeze on REAP disbursements, leading to a loss of over $1 billion in funds, and new restrictions imposed by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins limited opportunities for farmers. Tennessee has lost 9% of its farmland over a 20-year period, primarily due to real estate development, not solar industry growth, prompting the establishment of a $25 million fund to buy conservation easements from farmers. Trump has approved large solar projects in Nevada, with a push for solar power by conservative influencers and stakeholders in the AI industry, while Elon Musk plans to add 100 gigawatts of solar to the US grid and boost domestic solar manufacturing.
Category: Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Production
– Improve Electrical System
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Google boosts grid flexibility in South and Midwest
Google is integrating 1 gigawatt of "demand response" into its utility contracts in the South and Midwest to make the U.S. power grid more stable and affordable. Demand response involves energy customers adjusting their operations based on the needs of the power grid, offering a potential solution to rapidly growing energy load forecasts. Google's data centers can help balance supply and demand, making electricity systems more affordable and reliable.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/google-boosts-grid-flexibility-in-south-and-midwest/
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Edify Energy awards EPC contracts for 1.8 GW of solar and storage in Australia
Renewables developer Edify Energy has awarded DT Infrastructure the EPC contracts for two massive solar and battery energy storage projects in Queensland, Australia, totaling 900 MW of solar and 900 MW/3,600 MWh of battery storage. The use of grid-forming inverter technologies will enhance power network stability and resilience. These projects are expected to significantly contribute to the National Electricity Market and support the transition towards an affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy future. Construction is set to begin soon with a target delivery and operations date of 2028, showcasing a major step towards climate solutions in the renewable energy sector.
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Why technical due diligence is becoming the backbone of Europe’s solar-storage boom
The European energy transition is accelerating with the growth of hybrid solar-plus-storage projects, which are becoming more complex and require rigorous technical due diligence to ensure reliability, investor confidence, and a resilient clean-energy transition. SolarPower Europe has developed new guidelines for these projects, integrating environmental and social governance, supply chain sustainability, cybersecurity, and financial risk analysis. Technical due diligence is crucial for earning trust in asset performance and ensuring a resilient, bankable, and sustainable clean-energy future in Europe.
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Trump Makes The Case For Maritime Wind Power Even Better
The article highlights the advancements in wind power solutions for the shipping industry, such as the AirWing Jet Sail and Norsepower Wind EdgeTM systems, which aim to significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions for cargo ships. Companies like VELA, CargoKite, and GT Wings are exploring innovative wind-assisted propulsion technologies to promote sustainability in maritime transport. These developments align with global efforts to prioritize climate-friendly solutions, despite the lack of support from some political leaders. By leveraging wind power, electrification, and alternative fuels, the shipping industry can make significant strides towards reducing its environmental impact and contributing to climate solutions.
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New York Build Expo: Heat Pumps Take Center Stage
The New York Build Expo showcased a focus on heat pumps, with big names like Midea, GE/Haier, and Daikin presenting various types for windows, interior use, and hot water. Challenges of integrating heat pumps into existing buildings were discussed, along with industry consolidation and limitations in very cold weather. The section also highlighted solar solutions in the context of climate solutions, including insights on New York City's Local Law 97 and the importance of tax credits and incentives. Additionally, creating a market for recycled plastic and sustainable materials like mass timber and foamed glass aggregate were emphasized, showing a shift towards a more environmentally friendly built environment in NYC.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/20/new-york-build-expo-heat-pumps-take-center-stage/
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The Hormuz Shock & The Rise Of The Electrostate
The section discusses the potential impact of a disruption in the Strait of Hormuz on the global energy system and economy, highlighting the interconnectedness of fossil fuel shocks with various sectors. Vulnerability to such disruptions is concentrated in Asia, emphasizing the importance of transitioning to domestic electricity sources. China's focus on domestic energy sources and food security is highlighted, showcasing the benefits of investing in renewable energy and electrification technologies. The section also explores the fragility of hydrocarbon dependence and the need to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources to enhance resilience and reduce reliance on imported fuel.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/19/the-hormuz-shock-the-rise-of-the-electrostate/
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Enhanced geothermal deployment could be compressed to under 3 years: report
Enhanced geothermal projects ranging from 100 MW to 500 MW can be operational within three to six years, significantly reducing conventional development timelines. The Department of Energy is supporting geothermal development through funding opportunities for next-generation field-scale tests. Geothermal energy is a reliable renewable source with a capacity factor above 80%, and its decreasing costs combined with firm capacity value are strengthening the economic case. Fervo Energy's Cape Station geothermal plant in Utah, benefiting from technology transfer from the oil and gas industry, demonstrates the potential for rapid and scalable development of enhanced geothermal projects in the U.S.
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From shuttered coal plant to gigascale battery: AGL begins commissioning of Liddell BESS
AGL Energy is set to commission a new 500 MW, 1000 MWh battery at the site of a shuttered coal plant in New South Wales by mid-year, with support from federal and NSW governments. The Liddell battery will help firm up the state's grid as more coal exits and renewable energy comes online, part of a trend of transforming coal generation sites into battery storage hubs in NSW. This transition reflects the need to move away from aging coal-fired power stations, with the aim of supporting reliable renewable energy for years to come. The milestone at Liddell coincides with a new policy from the Minns government regarding coal mining, highlighting the shift towards sustainable energy solutions.
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Thermochromic bifacial PV glazing system for reducing building cooling loads
Researchers in Hong Kong have developed a novel thermochromic bifacial photovoltaic glazing system that passively regulates solar heat gain while harvesting energy from both sides. The system integrates hydrogel-based thermochromic layers with bifacial PV modules to reduce cooling loads, indoor temperatures, and energy consumption. The hydrogel transitions from transparent to translucent as temperature rises, reflecting light towards the rear side of the PV glass for enhanced electricity generation. The prototype system optimizes building energy use, reduces costs, and emissions by dynamically modulating solar transmission and capturing reflected energy. The design addresses limitations of previous hybrid solutions by combining PV glazing and hydrogel-based TC technology in a single system for advanced glazing applications. The research on TC‐BiPV glazing shows significant benefits in reducing direct solar heat gain and increasing electricity generation compared to other glazing options. Annual simulations indicate that TC‐BiPV can provide a gain of 9-18% for skylights and 6-14% for vertical windows. The system also reduces indoor heat gain and cooling loads, making it a practical solution for energy-efficient building envelopes in warm climates. The study highlights the scalability and passive nature of the TC‐BiPV approach, emphasizing its potential for climate solutions.