California's strong climate policies, such as Cap and Invest, have made the state more resilient to global price shocks impacting gas prices. By regulating vehicles more stringently than the federal government, California has seen a reduction in toxic air pollution, heat-trapping emissions, and gasoline demand. The state's progress in increasing clean electricity usage has contributed to a 15% drop in gasoline demand since 2005, resulting in significant savings. Continuing ambitious climate and clean energy policies, along with updates to programs like Cap and Invest, are crucial for protecting Californians' wallets and health while advancing climate solutions and making the state more resilient to global events.
Category: Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Production
– Improve Electrical System
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TerraSpark, Dcubed to test space solar on SpaceX 2027 mission
Luxembourg's TerraSpark, with €5.4 million in funding, plans to conduct its first space-to-earth power transmission in 2028 using radio frequency-based wireless energy transmission. The company, led by former ESA Solaris program lead Sanjay Vijendran, aims to commercialize this technology by building scalable and reliable systems. TerraSpark will join Germany's Dcubed in 2027 to showcase in-space power generation and transmission capabilities, with a focus on advancing climate solutions through innovative energy technologies.
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Grid batteries reach stunning new peak of 44 pct of evening demand in world’s fourth biggest economy
California and Australia are experiencing significant growth in grid-scale battery storage, with California reaching a new peak of 44% of evening demand and Australia's South Australia reaching 30%. The rapid rollout of battery storage in California over the last five years has allowed for a reduction in reliance on gas and the ability to supply a significant share of demand throughout the evening. With a total capacity of over 17 GW in California, grid-scale batteries are proving to be a key solution in transitioning towards a more sustainable energy system.
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Pushing perovskite solar cells to the ultimate thickness limit
Researchers in Singapore have developed ultrathin perovskite solar cells with absorber layers as thin as 10 nm, achieving high transparency and stable efficiencies up to 12%. These cells offer scalable, design-flexible photovoltaics suitable for seamless integration into buildings, balancing optical transparency with electrical performance without sacrificing scalability or manufacturability. The study showed that the cells achieved power conversion efficiencies of 7%, 11%, and 12% with absorbers of 10 nm, 30 nm, and 60 nm respectively, maintaining their performance even in low-illumination conditions. Perovskite materials in buildings can generate electricity without changing their appearance, aiding in the growth of distributed renewables, with tunable optical properties and the ability to be manufactured on a large scale, potentially leading to further improvements in light-utilization efficiency in the built environment.
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Adani Green commissions 951 MW solar, hybrid capacity in India
Adani Green Energy Ltd. has recently commissioned 951 MW of solar and hybrid capacity in western India, specifically in Baiya, Rajasthan and Khavda, Gujarat. With 926 MW of solar and 25 MW of hybrid projects now operational, AGEL's total renewable generation capacity has reached 18,933.3 MW. These new projects have begun commercial operations and power generation as of March 30, 2026, contributing significantly to India's renewable energy goals and the fight against climate change.
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The US Is Sitting On 161 Gigawatts Of Wind Farm Capacity
Repowering older wind farms in the US with new, more efficient turbines could add an additional 161 gigawatts in capacity without requiring additional land. This process involves replacing outdated equipment with new rotors, blades, and taller turbine towers to increase capacity, reduce operating expenses, neighbor complaints, and wildlife impacts, while freeing up land for other purposes. Wind repowering is highlighted as a key strategy to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy in the United States, with the potential to more than double the capacity of existing wind farms by 2024. The importance of repowering projects in addressing societal factors, regulation, and development principles is noted, emphasizing the need for a negotiated process between communities and developers to unlock the full potential of wind energy. Trump's policies are mentioned but wind energy continues to grow and play a key role in the nation's energy mix, with utility-scale solar and storage leading the way in capacity additions for 2026.
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Peak load tipped to double as industries flock to Australia’s world-first 100 pct renewables grid
South Australia is experiencing a surge in electricity demand due to the growth of industries attracted by its high level of renewables. With around 75% of its electricity already sourced from wind and solar, the state aims to achieve 100% "net" renewables by next year. To support this expansion and accommodate increased load from industries like mining and data centers, ElectraNet predicts the need for new transmission lines. Projects such as the south-east transmission line and the proposed Northern Transmission project are crucial in connecting new generation and storage to existing customer demand, supporting electrification, and facilitating industrial expansion. Giles Parkinson emphasizes the importance of these initiatives in enabling clean energy growth in South Australia.
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Matrix and EDF optimise 500MW BESS in Scotland
Matrix Renewables has signed an agreement with EDF for a 500MW/1GWh battery energy storage system in Eccles, Scotland to enhance the UK electricity system by providing flexibility and supporting grid operations. The project will capture surplus renewable energy and release it during peak demand, helping integrate more renewables into the national grid. EDF will manage the battery's performance across UK power markets. The project aligns with Matrix Renewables' goals to support the UK's transition to a cleaner power system and contribute to Clean Power 2035 and Net Zero 2050 targets. The Eccles facility will play a crucial role in bolstering grid resilience and facilitating efficient electricity distribution.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/matrix-edf-optimise-500mw-bess-scotland/
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Solar For The Win! Energy From The Sun Is Setting Records Worldwide
Solar energy has the potential to meet the world's entire energy demand by covering less than 1% of the Earth's surface with solar panels, providing free fuel once installed. The growth of solar energy worldwide could meet over 20% of the world's energy demand by 2030, with countries like China, the European Union, the US, and others making significant strides in solar energy capacity. Solar energy costs are decreasing, making it the cheapest form of electricity in many regions and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. A successful solar project in San Diego showcased the financial savings and sustainability benefits of solar power, highlighting its potential to promote growth and support climate solutions.
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Stand-alone solar and battery-powered level crossings deliver an Australian first for regional rail
Two new solar-powered level crossings have been unveiled as part of the Inland Rail freight rail link project in northern New South Wales, marking a significant advancement for the country's rail network. By utilizing solar and battery power, the project avoids the need for grid-connected electricity, reducing the impact on local communities and the environment. The Australian Rail Track Corporation plans to deploy more solar-powered systems along the alignment once Inland Rail becomes operational. The article also emphasizes the importance of addressing climate change to mitigate the impacts of rising sea levels on coastal communities, highlighting the need for adaptation strategies such as building seawalls and restoring wetlands.