Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Electricity

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

  • Rooftop solar reaches 20% of Puerto Rico’s generation mix

    In 2025, rooftop solar capacity in Puerto Rico reached 1.5 GW, surpassing natural gas as the second-largest generation source, driven by electricity reliability issues. Distributed generation resources, particularly rooftop solar with battery systems, have seen significant growth. LUMA Energy, the island's grid operator, is working to transform and stabilize the grid. Distributed battery storage has also increased, reaching a total energy capacity of 2,864 megawatt hours. Despite setbacks like Hurricane Maria, rooftop solar generation has steadily increased, contributing to Puerto Rico's total generation capacity exceeding 7 GW.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/rooftop-solar-puerto-rico-generation-mix-eia/816499/

  • Nepal’s EV revolution pays off as oil crisis causes pain at pumps

    In Nepal, high rates of electric vehicle (EV) adoption among minivan drivers have helped reduce the impact of rising fuel prices caused by global energy market turmoil. Nearly three-quarters of new cars sold in Nepal are now electric, with the country being a leader in EV adoption. The government has introduced policies to encourage EV adoption, including cutting import taxes for EVs and investing in charging stations. The shift to EVs not only cuts air pollution and helps progress towards net-zero emissions goals but also shields the country's foreign currency reserves from spikes in global oil prices and improves public transport. Public and private investment is crucial to reduce dependency on fossil fuels in Nepal, with a need for policy changes to support the transition to larger electric buses and improve the electricity infrastructure for EVs.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/04/02/nepals-ev-revolution-pays-off-as-oil-crisis-causes-pain-at-the-pumps/

  • What If The US Redirected The Money From The Iran War To Clean Energy?

    The section discusses the potential benefits of redirecting $200 billion from the Iran War efforts towards clean energy projects in the US, emphasizing the importance of investing in renewables for energy security, economic stability, and reduced emissions. It contrasts wasteful war spending with the potential for a Just Transition to clean energy, decentralized grids, and incentives for electric vehicles. The article also highlights the low operating costs and stability of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, stressing the need for government intervention in funding research and innovation for electrification. Innovations in the EV battery sector, shared charging hubs for heavy-duty trucks, and submersible hydropower in the Great Lakes region are discussed as key solutions for climate action, along with grid enhancements and free training for clean energy installers. The focus is on the importance of shifting towards a clean energy paradigm for a more sustainable and secure future, showcasing the positive trend towards sustainable energy solutions in the US.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/02/what-if-the-us-redirected-the-money-from-the-iran-war-to-clean-energy/

  • TNO unveils 12.4%-efficient perovksite solar tile

    The Dutch research institute TNO has developed the world's first perovskite-based roof tile, achieving up to 13.8% efficiency on standalone modules and 12.4% on curved surfaces. The flexible modules were produced using TNO's experimental roll-to-roll platform, with plans to commercialize the solar tile through its spinoff company Perovion Technologies. This building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) tile based on perovskite solar cell technology is a significant development in the renewable energy sector. The use of roll-to-roll manufacturing for perovskite solar cells is seen as a promising pathway to lower production costs and high-volume manufacturing for emerging thin-film technologies, offering potential solutions for climate change mitigation.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/02/tno-unveils-12-4-efficient-perovksite-solar-tile/

  • Finnish delight: how the world’s happiest country decarbonized its power sector

    Finland has been ranked as the world's happiest country for the ninth year in a row and has also achieved a significant decline in greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in the power sector. The country has seen a nearly 80% reduction in emissions from electricity generation between 2016 and 2025, with structural changes such as the phaseout of fossil-fueled electricity generation and increased use of nuclear and wind power leading to a nearly 95% carbon-neutral electricity mix. Finland has ended Russian gas imports, expanded its nuclear and wind power capacity, and aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. The enactment of the Climate Change Act in 2022, the opening of Europe's largest nuclear reactor, increased wind generation, and the closure of the last active coal plant in 2025 have all contributed to significant emission declines, making Finland a global example of effective decarbonization despite a growing economy and population.

    https://climatetrace.org/news/finnish-delight-how-the-world-s-happiest-country-decarbonized-its-power-sector

  • UNSW study finds tracker-based PV systems experience higher UV degradation than fixed-tilt arrays

    New research from the University of New South Wales highlights the significant impact of UV radiation on PV module degradation, with tropical and desert regions facing the highest stress. The study emphasizes the need for climate-specific testing and system design to accurately assess reliability. The researchers developed a global UV irradiance model that shows varying degradation rates based on deployment location and system design. Single-axis tracking systems in high-irradiance regions can experience up to 1.5 times more UV radiation and higher degradation rates compared to fixed-tilt installations. The study underscores the importance of considering UV exposure, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric conditions in assessing PV module performance. The article discusses the impact of UV-induced degradation on photovoltaic systems in arid and tropical climates, with rates reaching about 0.25-0.35% per year. A high-precision model to estimate UV radiation in PV systems was presented in the paper "Closing the UV-Induced Photodegradation Gap Through Global Scale Modeling of Fixed Tilt and Tracking Photovoltaic Systems." The study aims to connect fundamental degradation mechanisms with system-level impacts, combining accelerated testing with modeling to quantify energy yield losses in diverse climates and system designs. This research is part of a broader effort to understand how degradation affects real-world energy production in photovoltaic systems.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/02/unsw-study-finds-tracker-based-pv-systems-experience-higher-uv-degradation-than-fixed-tilt-arrays/

  • Giant copper project signs deal for Australia’s biggest off-grid hybrid renewables facility

    Harmony Gold and Aggreko have partnered to develop a renewable power facility at the Eva copper mine project in Queensland, Australia. The facility will consist of a 118 MWp solar farm, a 250 MWh battery, and a 104 MVA thermal power plant, with the goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2035. Future plans may involve incorporating wind energy and connecting to the grid through the Copperstring transmission project. This long-term commitment to renewable energy showcases a significant step towards sustainable practices in the mining industry.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/giant-copper-project-signs-deal-for-australias-biggest-off-grid-hybrid-renewables-facility/

  • Nigerians bet on solar power as global oil crisis hits wallets

    Africa, particularly Nigeria, is experiencing a surge in solar power installations as a response to soaring fuel prices and unreliable power supplies. The conflict in the Middle East has further accelerated the adoption of solar energy, with installations in Africa increasing by 54% in 2025. Businesses and consumers are recognizing the cost-saving benefits of transitioning to solar power, with calls for governments to adopt binding targets to phase out fossil fuels and invest in clean energy for a stable future. Lower-cost solar products are now available, making solar power a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources in Nigeria and across the continent.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/04/01/nigerians-bet-on-solar-as-global-oil-shock-hits-wallets-and-power-supplies/

  • Black-Led Climate Actions – Featuring The Solutions Project Grantees

    The Solutions Project, a nonprofit foundation practicing Solidarity Philanthropy, funds grassroots climate organizations led by women and people of color, such as New Alpha Community Development Corporation and West Street Recovery. These groups focus on climate resilience projects, repair homes damaged by flooding, and lobby for improvements to drainage systems. Urban Tilth, PUSH Buffalo, Sustainable Square Mile, and Soulardarity are also working towards a more sustainable future by transforming vacant land into green space, training workers in green energy construction, creating conservation-focused villages, and installing solar-powered streetlights for community safety and empowerment. Solar street lighting not only extends business hours and contributes to economic development but also reduces environmental impacts by decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, empowering communities to take control of their energy needs and fostering environmental responsibility.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/31/black-led-climate-actions-featuring-the-solutions-project-grantees/

  • Premier Energies begins trial production at 5.6GW solar facility

    Premier Energies has expanded their solar module manufacturing capacity to 11.1GW with a new facility in Telangana, India, featuring advanced technology and employing 2,000 people. The company's use of TOPCon technology and zero busbar architecture aligns with India's renewable energy goals and supports the growth of the country's solar manufacturing sector. In addition to domestic projects, Premier Energies has secured contracts to supply solar power systems in Benin, West Africa, contributing to the government's initiative to increase access to clean energy. This development highlights the company's commitment to sustainable solutions and the global transition towards renewable energy sources.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/premier-energies-trial-production-solar/