Lamarr.AI, founded by a team from MIT, utilizes drones, thermal imaging, and AI to help property owners identify energy inefficiencies in their buildings. The technology provides detailed 3D models, identifies problems, and recommends retrofits to improve energy efficiency, offering deeper analytics on the cost of each retrofit and the return on investment. This solution is being used by leading organizations in facilities management, architecture, engineering, and construction firms, with CEO Tarek Rakha describing the technology as giving a building an "MRI" using drones, infrared imaging, visible light imaging, and proprietary AI.
Category: Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Production
– Improve Electrical System
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Renewables giant China nears peak emissions, Beijingers see mountain peaks for first time in decades
The Global Carbon Project's annual Global Carbon Budget reveals a slight rise in carbon emissions in 2025, putting the world on track to hit the 1.5°C warming limit within four years. China, the world's biggest polluter, is showing signs of reaching peak emissions or plateauing, driven by a unique mix of motivating factors including economic and business advantages from clean energy. The importance of reducing emissions and supporting renewable energy technologies to combat global warming is emphasized, with China's success in decarbonization positioning itself as a global leader in clean energy production. The article warns against downplaying the importance of climate action based on a country's proportionate contribution to global emissions and highlights Australia's transition to renewable energy as an economic opportunity. The overall message is to learn from China's example and take advantage of cheap opportunities for zero emissions energy.
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“A clear decline:” IEA says faster transition to renewables equals lower household prices
The International Energy Agency (IEA) recommends accelerating the adoption of renewable energy to lower household power prices, as it has been proven to be more cost-effective in the long run despite higher upfront costs. The IEA also dispels the myth that wind and solar energy sources are less reliable than fossil fuels, emphasizing that reduced dependence on fossil fuels can shield against market price shocks. South Australia and Western Australia serve as examples of grids remaining stable with a high percentage of renewable energy. Climate Analytics CEO Bill Hare underscores the benefits of supporting renewables, noting their rapid growth and falling prices as a win-win for both people's wallets and the climate. The IEA's report stresses the need for significant investments in grid infrastructure to facilitate the transition to renewable energy sources, as efforts to stabilize energy prices are faltering and demand for LNG and oil is declining while renewables become more competitive.
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Crocodile Economics Comes to Africa: Trade, Solar, and the New Energy Map
The global economy is showing signs of decoupling economic growth from emissions, with many countries experiencing a decrease in emissions while GDP rises. China is on the verge of shifting to absolute decoupling, with African countries importing solar hardware on an unprecedented scale. Chinese companies are investing in onshore capacity for solar panels and battery packs in Africa, following the model of industrial migration seen in East Asia. The development of grid-detached microgrids using Chinese solar panels and batteries is accelerating in sub-Saharan Africa, alongside plans for a high-voltage direct-current super-grid to meet the region's growing electricity demand with interconnected renewable grids. Overall, clean-energy investment and the African Continental Free Trade Area are building markets that reward predictability, transparency, and stability, positioning Africa as a more unified major economy on the global stage.
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New Carbon “Heat Batteries” Aim To Decarbonize US Industries
The US Department of Energy's DAYS program is aiming to stimulate investor interest in new long duration energy storage systems, with startups like Antora Energy working on innovative solutions like thermophotovoltaic devices. Antora, a company focused on renewable energy solutions, uses renewable electricity to heat solid carbon blocks for energy storage and delivery, achieving high conversion efficiency and receiving significant funding for commercial scaleup. They are working on partnerships with companies like POET and Shell for various applications, and have received awards for energy storage partnerships, including one with Con Edison in New York. Con Edison has selected thermal energy storage, electric boilers, and industrial heat pumps as technologies to drive its steam decarbonization efforts, with the potential to electrify up to one third of total steam capacity by 2035. Antora's thermophotovoltaic "heat batteries" have the capability to store renewable energy for transfer into electricity or heat, powering industrial operations and contributing to the overall decarbonization journey.
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Cows, Jamaica, & Solar — Winning The Clean Energy Revolution
Agrivoltaics, the combination of solar and farming, is a beneficial practice that can provide financial benefits for farmers. Solar farms using sheep for vegetation control have been successful, with the sheep's excrement serving as fertilizer. Silicon Ranch is pioneering the combination of cattle and solar energy, introducing a system called CattleTracker to ensure the safety of both the animals and the solar panels. Solar grazing, a practice where livestock graze on land underneath solar panels, is being implemented by companies like Silicon Ranch to address greenhouse gas emissions from cattle farming. In the Caribbean, solar energy and battery storage systems are being increasingly used to provide electricity during and after hurricanes, with Jamaica aiming to reach 50 percent solar power by 2030.
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/11/cows-jamaica-solar-winning-the-clean-energy-revolution/
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Australia funds SunDrive to scale copper solar cells
Australia's ARENA has invested AUD 25.3 million in SunDrive to advance copper-based solar cell technology as a low-cost, silver-free alternative. This investment will support SunDrive in scaling up production and collaborating with solar manufacturing firms, aiming to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and address the industry's reliance on silver. SunDrive's innovation has broken world records in cell efficiency and has the potential to significantly impact global decarbonization efforts. ARENA's continued support of SunDrive's technology could lead to advancements in efficiency and affordability in the solar industry, contributing to climate solutions worldwide.
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Air con leads surge in energy use as world heats up – but most new demand is being powered by solar
The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a surge in electricity demand driven by air conditioning due to climate-driven heatwaves and rising temperatures, but renewable energy generation, particularly in solar investment, is also on the rise. Overshooting the 1.5 °C temperature target is now inevitable, but there is potential to meet cooling needs with solar energy in regions like India, Indonesia, the Middle East, and Africa. The World Energy Outlook outlines scenarios for future energy demand and generation mix, with the Net Zero Emissions (NZE) scenario aiming to limit warming to below 1.5°C by 2100 through widespread deployment of CO2 removal technologies. Renewable energy, especially solar PV, is driving global growth towards a more efficient and secure energy system, urging fossil fuel importing countries to transition faster to avoid raising global temperatures and increasing energy demand through inefficient fossil fuel use.
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US startup launches DC-powered solar water heater
Apparent Inc. has introduced a DC-powered solar water heater that can eliminate 100% of a home's water heating costs. This innovative system utilizes low-voltage DC electricity from solar panels and a cloud-based platform for efficient energy management. It is designed to operate off-grid with standard photovoltaic panels and features a patented alloy heating element for optimal heat transfer. With an AI-driven control platform for performance optimization and energy resource management, the water heater is grid-independent, blackout-resistant, and boasts a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/11/12/us-startup-launches-dc-powered-solar-water-heater/
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Power that doesn’t go to waste: 7 Transmission & Storage solutions for a reliable renewable future
The Transmission & Storage solution pathway aims to deliver renewable energy reliably and efficiently by modernizing grid infrastructure, deploying smart metering, and scaling up storage. Smart grids optimize electricity flows, reduce line loss, and integrate renewable sources seamlessly. Smart meters and demand response systems help balance supply and demand, reducing reliance on high-emission power sources. Grid-scale battery storage, pumped hydropower systems, gravity storage, thermal energy storage, and hydrogen energy storage all play a role in storing excess renewable energy and balancing energy supply and demand. Smart energy systems connect homes, businesses, and renewable sources into flexible networks that balance supply and demand for a more efficient and reliable grid, ultimately aiming to create a clean energy future where renewable power flows freely, efficiently, and equitably to all.