Scientists in China have developed a novel anthraquinone-based solar redox flow battery (SRFB) device that combines a solar cell with a redox flow battery, achieving an average solar-to-electricity conversion efficiency of 4.2% under simulated one sun conditions. The SRFB device utilizes redox couples 2,6-DBEAQ and K4[Fe(CN)6] paired with a triple-junction amorphous-silicon photoelectrode, allowing for photo-charging without an external bias and discharge over 10 cycles with a solar-to-output electricity efficiency of 4.3%. This breakthrough paves the way for advanced solar-to-chemical energy conversion technologies, offering new possibilities for sustainable energy solutions.
Category: Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Production
– Improve Electrical System
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Solar and storage program forecast to save all Massachusetts ratepayers $313 million per year
A report from Synapse Energy Economics and the Solar Energy Industries Association highlights the potential benefits of solar plus storage in Massachusetts. By meeting deployment targets set by the SMART 3.0 incentive program, ratepayers could save $313 million per year by 2030. The program aims to push older, inefficient natural gas plants out of the auction, resulting in lower wholesale electricity prices. Solar and storage technologies can reduce the state's reliance on natural gas during winter months, leading to cost savings and emissions reductions. The planned expansion of solar and storage could avoid the use of 29 billion cubic feet of natural gas and reduce CO2 emissions by 1.6 million metric tons annually by 2030.
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From Guns & Steel to Grids & Batteries: A History-Informed View of Climate Action
The section emphasizes the importance of viewing decarbonization as a market creation challenge, influenced by institutions, culture, and material conditions. It highlights successful climate actions from the past year, such as transmission buildouts, electric vehicle mandates, and industrial policies focusing on scale. The text stresses the role of markets in driving technological innovation and societal change, using examples from history to illustrate the impact of inclusive versus extractive institutions on market development. Ultimately, it concludes that delay in climate action is a choice, not guaranteed success, and that supportive institutions are needed to enable the growth of clean energy markets and accelerate climate action.
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Nothing About Us Without Us
In Marajó, the community faces challenges with frequent power outages impacting daily life, highlighting the importance of energy access for basic rights and dignity. The connection between energy justice and climate justice is emphasized, especially as the impacts of the climate crisis worsen. The Marajó Observatory advocates for a transition to clean energy for energy security, amplifying community voices in decision-making spaces. 350.org and partners have implemented 10,000 solar energy systems in the Amazon, focusing on community participation and energy autonomy to ensure the National Energy Transition Plan reflects local needs and culture. The ultimate goal is to create a future where clean energy is a right, promoting climate and social justice.
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Could American “Spirited Self-Determination” Reshape Energy?
Schneider Electric has been partnering with the National Laboratory of the Rockies for a decade to tackle energy questions, focusing on projects such as analyzing the U.S. energy economy in 2050 and developing smart panels for homeowners. The partnership aims to bring together electric ingenuity, automation, artificial intelligence, and digital control to provide better energy solutions, with outcomes potentially leading to reduced energy costs and greater control over electricity flow for Americans. Schneider Electric is investing in technologies and systems to adapt to America's energy future, exploring plausible energy futures and preparing to navigate change based on insights. The partnership is also analyzing the potential energy and cost savings of smart panels for American consumers and utilities, with simulations being conducted to quantify the long-term benefits of this technology. Together, Schneider Electric and NLR are focused on making a significant impact in the energy sector, aiming for greater resilience, affordability, and competitiveness in the future energy landscape.
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/23/could-american-spirited-self-determination-reshape-energy/
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ArcelorMittal announces $900m renewable energy projects in India
ArcelorMittal has unveiled three new renewable energy projects in India, including a 250MW wind facility, 300MW solar facility, and 300MWh of battery storage in Bachau, Gujarat, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions by 1.59mt annually and add 1GW to their renewable capacity. CEO Aditya Mittal emphasized the importance of sustainable investments in the energy transition. These projects, along with others in Brazil and Argentina, will collectively provide 3.3GW of power generation capacity, contributing to climate solutions. The article also discusses the use of microgrids and distributed renewables, highlighting the use of AI-enabled Microgrid Management SystemTM and strategic partnerships to create networked microgrids for a more flexible and resilient energy grid, promoting sustainable energy solutions to address climate change effectively.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/arcelormittal-900m-renewable-energy-projects-india/
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Argentina inaugurates its first solar highway
Argentina has recently unveiled its first solar highway, the Circunvalación Avenue in San Juan, featuring 36 solar panel arrays with a capacity of 5 kW each. These panels are mounted on monopoles along the road and combined with inverters and LED lights to independently power the highway's nighttime lighting. The project, which created over 80 jobs during construction, is based on a distributed generation model used in other countries. San Juan's high solar radiation conditions enable the maximization of the capacity factor of the installed equipment, showcasing the potential for solar energy solutions in the region.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/23/argentina-inaugurates-its-first-solar-highway/
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Off-grid floating PV-desalination system for hydrogen production
A research team from the University of Exeter has successfully simulated a solar-powered hydrogen production system in Oman using floating photovoltaic technology and seawater desalination. The system has a levelized cost of electricity of $0.05/kWh and a levelized cost of hydrogen of $9.5/kg, generating 1,755 kg of hydrogen per day. This innovative approach offers a practical roadmap for hot-climate regions to produce large-scale hydrogen without competing for land or freshwater. The project showcases the potential for utilizing solar power for environmental solutions in the region, with researchers now focusing on optimizing the system to reduce costs and assessing long-term performance impacts.
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Modelling spot prices in a post-coal grid, when big batteries will become the price setters
In a post-coal National Electricity Market, supporting solar and battery technologies can stabilize electricity prices. The optimized capacity mix includes utility-scale solar, onshore wind, and battery storage, with a focus on solar and BESS. Battery storage is modeled as an active participant, tracking behavior in real-time based on market conditions. An optimization framework is used to determine the optimal capacity mix, aiming to minimize total system cost while ensuring economic viability and reasonable prices for consumers. The analysis focuses on price formation, investment incentives, and the challenges of optimizing capacity mix in a highly renewable, post-coal system.
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Colorado outlines how clean energy could benefit coal communities
A new report from Colorado's Energy Office highlights the potential for emerging clean energy technologies to benefit rural communities as the state transitions away from coal. Investments in technologies such as carbon capture, geothermal energy, and hydrogen power could help replace lost economic activity. Wind and solar paired with storage are cost-effective and grid-ready options, while hydrogen and carbon capture projects have the potential to create jobs and generate tax revenue. The report aims to guide rural areas in Colorado and beyond on how they can contribute to the clean energy transition.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/colorado-outlines-how-clean-energy-could-benefit-coal-communities/