Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Electricity

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

  • 50+ High Tech Sailing Ships Will Produce Green Hydrogen At Sea

    DRIFT Energy, in collaboration with Commenda Capital Partners, is developing wind energy-harvesting sailboats equipped with underwater generators to produce green hydrogen at sea through water electrolysis. With plans for over 50 vessels, the goal is to provide a sustainable alternative to traditional maritime fuels and help coastal communities overcome energy challenges. Additionally, Incat Crowther and SWITCH are partnering on a project to create a hydrogen fuel cell-electric ferry, supported by a New York State grant, to reduce emissions and provide passengers with a quieter and cleaner experience. These initiatives showcase the growing adoption of green hydrogen and hydrogen fuel cell technology in the maritime industry, offering promising solutions for a more sustainable future.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/07/08/green-hydrogen-wind-power-sailing-vessels/

  • Free online calculator shows Irish homeowners how to save with solar

    Irish homeowners are increasingly adopting solar panels with the help of government subsidies, driving Ireland's total installed PV capacity to 2.7 GW. To help homeowners understand the financial benefits of different system configurations, AirPV has created a solar and battery calculator tool. The tool aims to empower homeowners to make informed decisions about their home energy systems, with founder Scott McKechnie starting a microgeneration campaign to encourage more communities to switch to solar and batteries through group installation deals. The updated solar calculator tool includes battery arbitrage and the 5 kW inverter size limit for Irish home solar systems, allowing users to determine the optimal number of solar panels and battery storage for cost savings and payback time. McKechnie's emphasis on using tools like AirPV to avoid misinformation and ensure sensible decision-making when installing solar systems is further supported by the tool's ability to provide tailored quotes from installers based on user input, allowing homeowners to compare options and submit their contact details for installation. Additionally, McKechnie has developed a building energy rating (BER) calculator to show how solar and battery systems can impact a home's energy efficiency.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/07/09/free-online-calculator-shows-irish-homeowners-how-to-save-with-solar/

  • CleanPeak Energy & Western Sydney International Airport Partner on 100% Renewable Electricity Deal

    CleanPeak Energy has partnered with Western Sydney International Airport to provide 100% renewable electricity through rooftop solar and a Battery Energy Storage System. The airport's electricity requirements are expected to triple in the next few years, and CleanPeak Energy will supply all of it through onsite solar generation and storage. The airport has been built with sustainability in mind, with plans to power everything from baggage handling systems to airside equipment with renewable electricity. CleanPeak Energy will supply over 100 GWh of renewable energy to the airport, avoiding 64,000 tonnes of CO2-e per annum and helping the airport achieve its goal of being powered by 100% renewable electricity. This collaboration showcases how renewable electricity, battery storage, and network infrastructure can meet the energy needs of major airports, with CleanPeak Energy specializing in developing solar and battery assets to help corporate customers transition to net zero emissions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/07/07/cleanpeak-energy-western-sydney-international-airport-partner-on-100-renewable-electricity-deal/

  • Software can unlock 300 GW of capacity on U.S. grid without building a single power plant

    The traditional conservative planning model for the electric grid in the United States has hindered the deployment of clean energy by underutilizing infrastructure. Shifting to software-driven monitoring can unlock significant capacity on existing infrastructure without the need for new transmission lines or power plants. Startups like GridCARE are using software to identify and utilize idle capacity, leading to efficiency gains in a matter of weeks. This shift in planning approach is crucial for integrating renewable energy sources and improving grid stability, while also maximizing the value of the existing grid infrastructure to lower costs for consumers and activate latent capacity. Advanced software can help identify immediate opportunities to interconnect new generation and alleviate multi-year queue backlogs, providing a bridge to uncover hidden capacity in the existing system.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/07/07/software-can-unlock-300-of-capacity-on-u-s-grid-without-building-a-single-power-plant/

  • Octopus Energy launches plug-in home battery

    Octopus Energy has introduced the Nook range of residential battery storage systems, such as the Nook Cube and Nook Colossus, designed for apartment dwellers and renters. These systems are expandable in capacity and compatible with rooftop solar installations, with plans to launch in the UK in 2027 and expand to other European countries. In addition, Octopus has partnered with CATL to develop a battery-swapping network for electric trucks, with hubs set to open in the UK in 2027 and expand across Europe by 2035. These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to sustainable energy solutions and the advancement of renewable technologies in the transportation sector.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/07/07/octopus-energy-launches-plug-in-home-battery/

  • UC San Diego Health Receives National Awards for Sustainability

    UC San Diego Health has been recognized for their sustainable healthcare approach, including efforts to reduce reliance on single-use plastics, pursue clean energy, and implement initiatives such as reprocessing medical devices, managing recycling programs, donating medical supplies, and sending food waste to local farms. The University of California's Sustainable Practices Policy addresses climate protection, transportation, zero waste, and more, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship in healthcare and creating resilient spaces for patients, staff, and visitors.

    https://health.ucsd.edu/news/press-releases/2026-06-08-uc-san-diego-health-receives-national-awards-for-sustainability/

  • UK to support new hybrid offshore wind that can slash deepwater costs in next auction

    The UK government has introduced a new category of offshore wind for its upcoming auction, featuring projects with hybrid deepwater foundations that have the potential to reduce costs compared to traditional floating wind projects. This development could lead to more efficient and cost-effective offshore wind energy production in the UK, offering promising solutions for climate experts looking to expand renewable energy sources.

    https://www.rechargenews.com/technology/uk-to-support-new-hybrid-offshore-wind-that-can-slash-deepwater-costs-in-next-auction/2-1-2013756

  • Ecowende’s 760MW offshore farm delivers first power Dutch grid

    The Hollandse Kust West offshore wind farm, developed by Shell, Chubu Electric Power, and Eneco, has been connected to TenneT's offshore grid in the Netherlands and has delivered its first green electricity. The wind farm comprises 52 turbines with a capacity of 15MW each, situated 53km off the Dutch coast. When fully commissioned, it is projected to produce 3.3TW-hours of renewable energy annually, supplying around 3% of the Netherlands' electricity needs. Eneco Wind Offshore Operations will handle the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the wind park, with electricity trading managed by Next Kraftwerke, SEEL, and EET. The project also contributes to grid stability by providing balancing energy services.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/ecowendes-760mw-offshore-wind-farm-first-power/

  • World Bank backs Morocco pumped storage project

    The World Bank has approved $265m in financing for the Ifahsa pumped storage hydropower project in Morocco, which will support the integration of additional renewable generation into the country's electricity system. This project will enable the addition of at least 1GW of solar and wind capacity to the national grid, displacing approximately three terawatt-hours of fossil fuel generation annually and avoiding an estimated 1.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. The construction of the project is expected to create around 820 direct jobs annually, with additional employment linked to the renewable energy capacity enabled by the project. The financing package includes lending from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, concessional funding from the Clean Technology Fund, and a grant from the Livable Planet Fund, with co-financing from the African Development Bank and implementation by Morocco's Office National de l'Électricité et de l'Eau potable (ONEE).

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/world-bank-backs-morocco-pumped-storage-project/

  • Medium-voltage series regulator enables 260% more PV capacity in German distribution grids

    A pilot project in Thuringia has successfully installed a compact medium-voltage series regulator to increase the capacity of existing power lines and accommodate more electricity from photovoltaic systems, allowing for around 260% more PV capacity without immediate grid expansion. Thüga plans to offer this technology to distribution system operators across Germany and Europe, with Hitachi Energy manufacturing the devices in Poland. This regulator is viewed as a cost-effective complement to existing grid technologies, potentially saving operators hundreds of millions of euros in expansion costs by 2035. Thüga highlights the importance of system interaction for efficiently integrating renewable energy sources.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/07/06/medium-voltage-series-regulator-enables-260-more-pv-capacity-in-german-distribution-grids/