Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Electricity

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

  • Energy Department touts $1.9B for grid upgrades

    The Energy Department is providing $1.9 billion in funding through the bipartisan infrastructure law to upgrade the U.S. power grid, known as SPARK. This initiative aims to increase grid capacity to meet growing electricity demand and ensure reliable power. Projects selected for funding must demonstrate the use of higher-capacity conductors and other technologies to optimize grid operations for rapid growth, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency and stability.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/energy-department-touts-1-9b-for-grid-upgrades/

  • Foresight to acquire NZ Clean Energy platform

    Foresight Group has acquired NZ Clean Energy in New Zealand, investing over A$500m in late-stage solar projects starting in 2026 and 2027. The acquisition provides a platform for developing solar and battery energy storage projects, with a pipeline exceeding 2GW across 15 locations in New Zealand. This move aligns with the country's transition towards low-emission energy solutions, driven by increased electricity demand and the growth of electric vehicles and data centers. Foresight aims to support decarbonization efforts and create a diversified renewable energy portfolio in the region.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/foresight-to-acquire-nz-clean-energy-platform/

  • Transparent superhydrophobic self-cleaning coating increases solar cell efficiency by 4.75%

    Researchers have developed a PFAS-free dual-layer sol-gel and hydrophobic silica coating for solar panels, improving efficiency from 13.90% to 14.56%. The coating repels water, dust, and dirt without reducing light transmission, making it durable and suitable for commercial applications. By combining sol-gel processed hydrophilic silica sol with hydrophobic silica nanoparticles, a transparent and superhydrophobic surface is created. The coating has shown excellent performance in water contact angle, sliding angle, and mechanical tests, as well as good chemical stability and outdoor exposure. Plans are in place to test the coating in extreme weather conditions and bring it to market within five years.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/11/transparent-superhydrophobic-self-cleaning-coating-increases-solar-cell-efficiency-by-4-75/

  • First attempt to build solar modules using polycarbonate encapsulant

    Canadian researchers have proposed an open-source solar module design using polycarbonate instead of traditional materials, allowing for easy disassembly and reuse of solar cells. The design enables local manufacturing with accessible DIY tools, reducing barriers for community-level fabrication and repair. The polycarbonate encapsulation technique is scalable, lightweight, and requires only mechanical separation for recycling. With a focus on low embodied energy and durability, the prototype module can generate 2.12 W under sunny conditions at a cost of $3.11/W, potentially reduced to $0.06-0.30/W with recycled materials and industrial-scale prices. Future work includes scaling the design, optimizing materials, and testing for long-term durability, as detailed in a study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/10/first-attempt-to-build-solar-modules-using-polycarbonate-encapsulant/

  • Port pitching for offshore wind hub says turbine trade could more than double its shipping traffic

    The Port of Hastings in Victoria is set to become Australia's first offshore wind hub, doubling its shipping traffic and supporting the state's renewable energy goals by 2040. The Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal project, facing environmental concerns, aims to deepen water depth to accommodate offshore wind vessels and create thousands of jobs. With the potential for an additional 200 vessel visits per year, the project is seen as a key opportunity for the port's growth and the advancement of renewable energy in the region, contributing to a sustainable future.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/port-pitching-for-offshore-wind-hub-says-turbine-trade-could-more-than-double-its-shipping-traffic/

  • Co-ownership vs consultation: Landmark report proposes faster, cheaper path to renewables

    The Community Power Agency (CPA) report emphasizes the benefits of renewable energy developers partnering with communities, rather than just consulting with them, to expedite planning processes, reduce opposition, and provide financial advantages. The Power in Partnership Guide outlines nine models for collaboration, such as co-ownership and community energy gardens, to enhance community acceptance of renewable energy projects and prevent conflicts. The example of the Bulabul battery project in Wellington, NSW, underscores the importance of community involvement in seizing opportunities in the evolving energy sector. With Australia aiming to increase renewable energy to 82% by 2030, fostering successful partnerships with communities is deemed essential for achieving this target and promoting regional development.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/co-ownership-vs-consultation-landmark-report-proposes-faster-cheaper-paths-to-renewables/

  • Small 24/7 clean power commitments could cut costs for long-duration storage

    Early demand for 24/7 carbon-free electricity is driving the adoption of advanced energy technologies, reducing costs and making clean power commercially viable. Companies like Google are investing in this initiative, bridging the gap between early investment and commercial viability for emerging clean energy technologies. By committing to 24/7 clean power procurement, companies can incentivize the development of newer energy generation and storage technologies, leading to a virtuous cycle of investment and technological learning. This approach not only reduces emissions but also helps advanced technologies become more cost competitive, with studies showing significant cost reductions for technologies like lithium-ion batteries and iron-air batteries driven by carbon-free energy commitments.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/09/small-24-7-clean-power-commitments-could-cut-costs-for-long-duration-storage/

  • In Alaska, a Data Center Inside a Power Plant, Inside a Microgrid

    Cordova Electric Cooperative in Alaska has successfully implemented a local microgrid powered by hydropower and battery energy storage, reducing diesel imports and increasing local energy supply. Inspired by this success, they are now piloting a modular data center powered by localized energy from a hydroelectric facility. The data center is designed for resilience and efficiency, with a focus on distributing data processing and storage assets around geography. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and demonstrate the capabilities of edge-based data centers in supporting remote populations. Surplus hydropower is being used to power a local data center in Cordova, Alaska, providing computing capacity for various purposes and bringing data "inside the fence" for business and artificial intelligence applications. Lessons learned from microgrid-data center setups can help streamline data center investments and avoid excessive costs, with the DOE Office of Electricity researching advanced microgrid technologies to facilitate affordable and reliable electricity delivery for data centers. ARIES analysis is being used to answer key questions for connecting computers to power in both small-scale and hyperscale projects, showcasing the potential for localized energy solutions in addressing climate challenges.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/09/in-alaska-a-data-center-inside-a-power-plant-inside-a-microgrid/

  • China’s wind turbine giants just had their breakout year: BNEF rankings

    Chinese wind turbine manufacturers dominated global wind installations in a record-breaking year, surpassing western OEMs and claiming the top five rankings. This shift highlights the growing influence and competitiveness of Chinese companies in the renewable energy sector. Climate solutions experts should take note of this trend as it underscores the importance of investing in and supporting domestic renewable energy industries to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. Additionally, this development emphasizes the need for collaboration and knowledge-sharing between countries to drive innovation and scale up renewable energy deployment worldwide.

    https://www.rechargenews.com/suppliers/chinas-wind-turbine-giants-just-had-their-breakout-year-bnef-rankings/2-1-1956616

  • Women’s leadership is key to unlocking the global phaseout of fossil fuels

    Women around the world, such as Osprey Orielle Lake, Nemonte Nenquimo, and Sharon Lavigne, are leading efforts to stop fossil fuel expansion and implement just transitions. The Fossil Fuel Treaty, founded by Tzeporah Burman, is a key cornerstone for upcoming government convenings on fossil fuel phaseout. Research shows that countries with higher representation of women in parliament are more likely to ratify environmental treaties and see decreased CO2 emissions. Despite persistent gender inequality, women are indispensable leaders in climate solutions, defending land, water, climate, and health. Bold and transformative solutions are needed to address the increasing climate crisis and hold long-term warming below the critical 1.5°C threshold. An all-women team in Cape Town, South Africa is producing high-quality solar panels, highlighting the urgent need for a global phaseout of fossil fuel extraction and production, as fossil fuels are a primary driver of the climate crisis. Despite historic but nonbinding agreements to transition away from fossil fuels at the U.N. Climate Summit, implementation has been hindered. In response to stalled progress, Colombia and the Netherlands are convening the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels to advance cooperation towards a managed phaseout, recognizing women's leadership as vital in ensuring a healthy and equitable outcome in transitioning away from fossil fuels.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/03/08/womens-leadership-is-central-to-unlocking-the-global-phaseout-of-fossil-fuels/